Long wait for Cairo election results

CAIRO, Ill. -- The clock was sweeping past 2:30 a.m. today when interim Alexander County clerk Nancy Kline emerged from the counting room with the final results of Tuesday's elections in Cairo.

The final results from absentee and early voting reversed the results counted from voters who visited polling places, including a lopsided victory for councilmember-at-large that elevated Linda Jackson to the office elected citywide.

Judson Childs built on the lead he secured among Election Day voters by winning the absentee and early voters by a tally of 321 to 40 over opponent Karl Klein.

The final results of Cairo's races include:

• Mayor: Childs defeated Klein 933-445.
• Councilmeber at large: Jackson defeated James R. (Bob) Conroy 751-605.
• Ward 1: Senior councilmember Elbert "Bo" Purchase defeated challenger Joseph W. Holder 182-131. Voters visiting the polls had given Holder a one vote margin.
• Ward 2: Kathy McAllister defeated Thomas W. Simpson 141-114. Simpson held a 100-93 margin among voters who cast ballots on Election Day.
• Ward 3: Lorenzo Nelson defeated incumbent Councilwoman Sandar Tarver 78 to 65, slightly increasing the 44 to 37 margin among Election Day ballots.
• Ward 4: Richard Pitcher defeated Thomas Burris Jr. 224 to 118, holding his earlier margin.
• Ward 5: Tyrone Coleman defeated Phillip Craig Hodges 152 to 117, also holding his early lead.

The Cairo School Board race was tight until the end, and while two candidates who led in the first tallies emerged victorious, the third open slot was taken by Arnold Burris Sr., who edged out Bobby Mayberry among absentee and early voters. The winners of the three seats were Mary K. Coleman, Vernon Stubblefield and Burris.

Check back at www.semissourian.com for the complete story later today or read Thursday's Southeast Missourian.

rkeller@semissourian.com

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