As the votes are being reported in Greenbrier County, the race for the House of Delegates remains tight. Less than 1,100 votes currently separate first place from fourth place. As of 10:00 p.m., Barry Bruce is in the lead with 5,592 votes. Todd Longanacre is in second place with 5,067 votes. A very close third is Jeff Campbell, with 5,035 votes. And presently in fourth place with 4,555 votes is Cindy Lavender-Bowe.
The race for Greenbrier County Commissioner is beginning to open up. Lowell Rose is in the lead with 6,734 votes to Dan Withrow’s 5,442.
With 7,699 votes currently counted, Jack David Woodrum is opening up a strong lead in the race for the Senate seat in District 10. Bill Laird trails with 5,112votes.
In the race for Greenbrier County Sheriff, Bruce Sloan leads with 7,265 votes to the 5,002 held by Doug Beard.
The current numbers are based upon 12 of Greenbrier County’s 29 precincts reporting
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Polls are officially closed in West Virginia. Residents all across the state will now anxiously await the results of the various elections. In Monroe County, turnout remained strong throughout the day.
“It went very well,” Monroe County Clerk Donald J. Evans told the WV Daily News, shortly before 7:30. “Two minutes to close and they’re still coming in.”
Monroe County reported no problems today at any of their polling locations.
Although Greenbrier County Clerk Robin Loudermilk and Pocahontas County Clerk Melissa Bennett were unavailable for comment, election officials in both counties reported similarly strong voter turnout, and a very welcome absence of any significant problems for those casting their votes today.
(Story updated at 7:30 p.m.)
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In just over an hour, the polls across West Virginia will be closing. The long season of campaigning has finally reached its end. And for the candidates, there is nothing left to do now but wait.
As 6:30 p.m. approaches on election day, Barry Bruce remains “cautiously optimistic.”
A longtime resident of Greenbrier County, Bruce operates a law office in downtown Lewisburg. He is also a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates in District 42.
“Thus far, I’ve been impressed by the (voter) turnout,” Bruce told the WV Daily News. “I’m encouraged by the fact we were able to flip the county (Greenbrier) red.”
When asked how he feels about his chances of being elected this evening, Bruce repeated, “I’m cautiously optimistic. Hopefully it all goes well locally, and for our country.”
Polls in West Virginia close at 7:30 p.m.
(This story was updated at 6:30 p.m.)
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As election day enters the home stretch across the state of West Virginia, Monroe County continues to see strong turnout at all polling locations.
“We’re doing great,” Monroe County Clerk Donald Evans told the West Virginia Daily News, just after 3 p.m. “Turnout looks pretty good so far. I believe it’s going to be a good turnout for the day.”
Earlier this morning, an issue was reported at the Monroe County Technical Center, which is being used as a voting location.
Through a post on social media, Monroe County Schools stated, “We are aware that there is an issue with the fire alarm at the Monroe County Technical Center. There are issues with the phone that are causing the fire alarm to go off. We have contacted SuddenLink and are hopeful that the issue is fixed soon. We apologize for the inconvenience while voting.”
It seems that the issue with the fire alarms at the technical center has not created any significant challenges for those voting there. In fact, if not for the Facebook posting, the Monroe County Clerk’s office would not have been aware of the situation.
“That hasn’t caused any problems whatsoever,” Evans said.
The West Virginia Daily News will provide more updates throughout the day as new information becomes available.
(This story was updated at 3:37 p.m.)
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It’s election day in West Virginia. As we approach the noon-hour, turnout in Greenbrier, Pocahontas and Monroe Counties has thus far been healthy.
Greenbrier County Clerk Robin Loudermilk reports that election officials have seen a steady flow of voters.
“We’ve visited several precincts, and some have had lines,” Loudermilk said. “But so far we couldn’t ask for a better day. Hopefully it keeps up until 7:30.”
Loudermilk was referring to 7:30 p.m. this evening; the time when polls close in West Virginia.
In Pocahontas County, County Clerk Melissa Bennett spoke of a similar start to the day.
“A couple of our (voting) locations have already exceeded their primary turnout,” Bennett said. “It really looks like we’ve got a pretty good turnout so far.”
In Monroe County, unofficial reports have indicated that turnout there is strong, as well.
Thankfully, none of the three counties have encountered issues at any of their polling locations, be them technological or otherwise. So far, all signs point to an efficient day of voting.
The West Virginia Daily News will provide more updates throughout the day as new information becomes available.
(This story was published at 12:30 p.m.)
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