Despite the beautiful weather and warm temperatures, the voter turnout in Washington County was rather low.
Which isn’t surprising for a spring primary.
But there were several hotly contested races — including the Democratic and Republican nomination for county sheriff and one commissioner district in the Republican Primary.
As far as the Democratic nomination for sheriff, City of Salem Sheriff David Bower received only 35 percent of the vote — or 836 total votes. In fact, Bower only carried Salem 1 and Salem 2 precincts.
His opponent, Chief Deputy Sheriff Roger Newlon received 65 percent of the vote – or 1,535 votes. Newlon carried 19 of the 21 precincts in Washington County.
In the Republican ballot, Roy Overshiner won the Sheriff nomination with 44 percent of the total vote with 855 total. Danny Libka received 33 percent of the vote with 638 ballots cast. John Revels won 23 percent of the vote with 439 votes.
Overshiner will face Newlon in the November election.
In the other contested major race for District 2 Commissioner, Preston Shell won with 33 percent of the vote, narrowly defeating Mark Boling, who had 28 percent; or 642 to 537. Incumbent John Fultz took 23 percent or 443 votes. Phil McIntyre received 16 percent or 316 votes.
Shell will face Democratic candidate Tom Day in the fall. Day ran unopposed on the Democratic ticket.
