By John Estridge
Union County, like many places around the country, had a heavy voter turnout prior to and on election day, Tuesday, November 3.
There are 5,237 registered voters in Union County and 3,521 people voted for a 66.77 percent turnout rate.
Of those votes, there were 1,182 straight-party Republican votes to 257 straight-party Democrats and 15 straight-party Libertarians.
Locally, there were very few contested races.
In the county races, in the Commissioner District 2 race, Republican incumbent Tim Williams held onto his seat defeating Democrat Jim Hensley 2,256-1,172, which is 65.81 percent to 34.19 percent.
In the Union County College Corner Joint School District Board of Trustees election, there were two contested races. Incumbent Mary Eversole defeated Barry M. Edwards Sr., 1,625-1,011 or 61.65 percent to 38.35 percent.
And the other was an open seat. Douglas M. Gardner received 1,266 votes to Chance Creech’s 1,100 or 53.51 percent to 46.49 percent.
In uncontested races, incumbent Republican Linda Rosenberger remains the treasurer while incumbent Democrat Paul Wiwi continues to be the commissioner from District 3. Incumbents for county council at large were also unopposed. Bonnie Adams, Jeffrey Wayne Adams and Chris Rosenberger remain on council.
Robert E. Leavitt is the coroner. And Matthew Snyder, a Union County deputy and former Liberty Herald reporter, was unopposed for an open seat on school board.
Union County voters went big for Republicans running for President, Sixth District Congress’ seat, Indiana Governor and Indiana Attorney General.
Incumbent President Donald Trump had 2,687 votes to former Vice President Joe Biden’s 736 votes. Libertarian Jo Jorgensen had 59 votes and there were nine write-in votes.
Incumbent Republican Governor Eric Holcomb had 2,532 votes while Democrat challenger Woody Myers took 603 votes and Libertarian Donald Rainwater II had 323 votes.
Republican Todd Rokita had 2,625 votes to Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel 710 votes. This is an open office.
Incumbent Republican Congressman Greg Pence had 2,648 votes while Democrat Jeannine Lee Lake had 712. Libertarian Tom Ferkinhoff had 100 votes.