WINNSBORO – On a warm, sunny election day in Winnsboro, Town Councilman John McMeekin, with 469 votes, decisively won the mayoral election over Nocola Hemphill who received 265 votes.
McMeekin took 63.90 percent of the vote. Hemphill took 36.10 percent. McMeekin carried four of the town’s five precincts.
In the town council race, District 2 councilwoman and incumbent Janice Bartell was unopposed and took 128 votes (99.21 percent.) There was one write-in.
Political newcomer James Jae Burroughs also ran unopposed to win a first term on town council with 240 votes (97.96 percent.) He will represent District 4, replacing McMeekin on council. There were 5 write-ins for that seat.
Of the 2,399 registered voters, there were 739 votes cast and an overall 30.80 percent turnout.
“I’m extremely grateful to the friends who helped me win this election,” McMeekin said following the vote count. “I thank everyone who worked so hard for our campaign – and there were many – and all those who voted for me. It was their work and dedication that won the election.
“Now I think we’re all ready to move on and get to work on Winnsboro, to implement and restructure. We have a lot to do and I’m very much looking forward to doing all I can to make life better for all the citizens of Winnsboro,” he said.
For more on the election, see the Thursday edition of The Voice.