Write-in campaigns oust three incumbents in Clarion County

By RODNEY L. SHERMAN

Clarion News editor

The Clarion County Office of Elections has finished tallying hundreds of write-in votes, and the results show incumbents in three races being defeated by write-in candidates.

Positions in numerous municipalities also had tied results based on low write-in votes in uncontested races. Those contest outcomes depend on candidate acceptances and tie-breakers.

Washington Township supervisor

In the contest for a six-year term as a Washington Township supervisor, Kevin McCauley gathered 232 (50.7%) write-in votes to defeat incumbent Republican Thomas G. Maher, who garnered 158 (34.5%) votes.

There were write-in votes for five other candidates.

A total of 457 out of 1,057 registered Washington Township voters cast ballots on Nov. 2 for a 43.24% turnout.

McCauley also won a six-year term as township auditor through four write-in votes. However, the township code prohibits anyone from holding both of those positions at the same time.

McCauley also won a six-year term as township constable with three votes; again, township code prohibits holding more than one office at the same time.

Also, serving as constable in Pennsylvania now requires training certification by the state.

Adam Faller and Angela Rowlett both collected three votes for the six-year term as township auditor. The outcome of that tie was not known at press time. Write-in candidates can decline to accept a position or a tie-breaker can be conducted.

Rowlett also won a four-year term as auditor through a write-in result with five votes.

Keystone School Board Region II

Write-in candidate Jason Say collected 370 (49.5%) votes to defeat incumbent Randy Burr II, who collected 306 (40.9%) votes. Region II includes Beaver and Licking townships and Callensburg Borough.

There were 35 other write-in votes.

A total of 747 out of 1,465 registered voters cast ballots in the race for a turnout of 51%.

Keystone School Board Region III

Unlike Region II, voters were electing two board members. Region III includes Ashland and Elk townships and Shippenville Borough.

Incumbent John Slagle won re-election with 628 (64%) votes; write-in candidate Randall Weaver won a seat with 544 (55%) votes and incumbent Trisha Dixon finished third with 359 (36.5%) votes.

There were 58 other write-in votes cast.

A total of 981 out of 2,029 registered voters cast ballots in the race for a 48.3% turnout.

Keystone School Board Region I

Incumbent Stacey Thompson held off a write-in challenge by Jason McMillan. Thompson collected 305 (49.7%) votes to McMillan’s 257 (41.9%) votes. Region I includes Salem Township and Knox Borough.

There were 12 other write-in votes cast.

A total of 613 out of 1,275 registered voters cast ballots in the race for a 48% turnout.