Jefferson County Elections off to an Unusual Start
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: November 6, 2012
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WV - We're keeping a close eye on the local elections in Jefferson County, WV. Their polls opened at 6:30 a.m. and will be closing at 7:30 p.m.
The County Clerk of Jefferson County, Jennifer Maghan, says this election is already off to an unusual start because of Hurricane Sandy.
Many residents in the county have been called away to help with the relief effort in New York and New Jersey. Those in the National Guard can obtain an absentee vote, but the County Clerk says many are working with FEMA. Unfortunately, they don't qualify for one.
Voters have expressed much interest in the local races here, especially the Sheriff's race. Incumbent Sheriff Bobby Shirley faces federal charges for using unnecessary force against a convicted bank robbery suspect. His opponent is Republican Candidate Earl Ballenger.
"I'm hoping that we have a 50-percent maybe even more turn out," says Maghan, "It would be great, but whatever the numbers are, it's nice to see the ballots are being voted."
Early voting results show about 17-percent went over to cast their ballots and the County Clerk says that's the average turn out on Election Day.
The County Clerk of Jefferson County, Jennifer Maghan, says this election is already off to an unusual start because of Hurricane Sandy.
Many residents in the county have been called away to help with the relief effort in New York and New Jersey. Those in the National Guard can obtain an absentee vote, but the County Clerk says many are working with FEMA. Unfortunately, they don't qualify for one.
Voters have expressed much interest in the local races here, especially the Sheriff's race. Incumbent Sheriff Bobby Shirley faces federal charges for using unnecessary force against a convicted bank robbery suspect. His opponent is Republican Candidate Earl Ballenger.
"I'm hoping that we have a 50-percent maybe even more turn out," says Maghan, "It would be great, but whatever the numbers are, it's nice to see the ballots are being voted."
Early voting results show about 17-percent went over to cast their ballots and the County Clerk says that's the average turn out on Election Day.
