Elbert County Local Race Results

By David Stephens, WSGC Radio, Elberton

District Two in Elbert County will have a new commissioner.

That was going to be the case regardless of the outcome of last night’s election as current Commissioner Harold Reynolds chose not to seek re-election.

The race was between Republican candidate Lee Vaughn and Democratic candidate Perry Rhodes.

Lee Vaughn tallied a total of 816 votes compared to Perry Rhodes’ 327 votes.

Vaughn said he was grateful for all those who turned out to vote in the election.

“I just want to say thanks to everyone who showed up to vote. I am overwhelmed by the turnout, and I think that is great, and I think it is a clear message that the people of Elbert County want a change and they are ready for us to move forward and that is what we are going to do”, said Vaughn.

Rhodes, also commenting on the results, congratulated Vaughn on his victory.

“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and I want to congratulate winning, and I hope he will make as good as a commissioner as I would have”, said Rhodes.

Vaughn brought in 71.20% of the total vote compared to 28.53% for Rhodes.

In the other two county commission races, both incumbents held their respective seats.

In District Four, Republican Incumbent Kenneth Ashworth defeated Democratic challenger Donnie Saddler 523 votes to 453.

Speaking last night at the Elbert County Government Complex, Ashworth had nothing but positive things to say about his opponent.

“He ran a clean race and I appreciate that. He has done a great job of getting out and talking to people”, said Ashworth. “I am glad to be here for another four years; I just pray I can represent the people and do what needs to be done, and make decisions that will benefit the county continuously.”

Saddler did not immediately respond to any attempts to reach him for comment on the election results.

Ashworth took in 53.53% of the vote in District Four compared to Saddler’s 46.37%.

In District Five, a race between Incumbent Democrat Freddie Jones and Republican candidate Zeb Worley.

Jones defeated Worley by bringing in 474 votes (62.95%) to Worley’s 279 votes (37.05%).

Neither candidate was able to be contacted for comment on last night’s results.

All in all for Elbert County, voter turnout was 46.35%; with 14 provisional ballots.