Georgetown County voters headed to the polls Tuesday, and as precincts continued to report into the night, the outcomes for several key races became clear. The County Office of Voter Registration and Elections provided real‑time tallies, showing decisive victories for the Republican slate in both council districts, a strong showing for the at‑large school board candidates, and a clear majority in favor of the local option sales‑tax referendum.
Council District 1
In District 1, incumbent John Elliott secured 1,540 votes, comfortably outpacing challenger Mike Bundy, who received 872 votes. The final count, based on 20 of the 34 precincts reporting, confirms Elliott’s continued representation of the district on the County Council.
Council District 6
District 6 saw a similarly decisive result. Mark Ringer led the field with 3,355 votes, while his opponent Tom Davis garnered 1,688 votes. Ringer’s margin reflects strong voter confidence in his platform and aligns with the broader Republican trend across the county.
At‑Large School Board
The at‑large school board race featured five candidates, all of whom earned enough votes to win seats. The final tallies are as follows:
- John Milton – 6,923 votes
- Sarah Ferdon‑Anderson – 6,108 votes
- David Cox – 6,186 votes
- Emily Britton – 2,823 votes
- Laura Belser – 2,439 votes
These results indicate robust community support for the current school board slate, which has emphasized parental involvement, fiscal responsibility, and a curriculum rooted in traditional values.
Local Option Sales‑Tax Referendum
Voters also decided on a 1‑cent local option sales tax intended to fund infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements, and community projects. The measure passed with 13,161 votes in favor and 10,246 against, demonstrating a clear appetite for targeted investment in local services.
Early Voting Snapshot
Earlier in the evening, before the polls closed, the early‑voting numbers painted a similar picture. Elliott led Bundy 1,499 to 830 in District 1, while Ringer held a commanding lead over Davis 2,740 to 1,426 in District 6. The school board candidates also showed strong early support, with Milton and Ferdon‑Anderson leading the pack. The sales‑tax referendum was already ahead, with 9,993 votes for and 7,173 against.
What This Means for Georgetown County
The outcomes reinforce a conservative‑leaning electorate that values limited government, strong community schools, and prudent fiscal measures. With the council seats secured, the County Council is poised to work alongside the newly elected school board to advance policies that protect family values, support local businesses, and uphold the constitutional rights of residents.
County officials will certify the results in the coming days, and the newly elected officials are expected to take office in early January, ready to address the priorities highlighted by voters this election cycle.
Original reporting: Coastal Observer (Georgetown County) — read the source article.
