Primary runoff
By JARED PUTNAM

Four state elections were decided Tuesday as voters returned to the polls to settle the runoffs that stemmed from the July Primary. Light turnouts were experienced across the state, including here Union County. Here, fewer than 950 voters (less than eight percent of registered voters) turned out.

However, the voters that did return to the polls spoke relatively decisively, as all four races were decided by double-digit margins.

In the race of Democrat nominee for Lieutenant Governor, Jim Martin easily defeated Greg K. Hecht in both Union County and in the statewide vote. Martin received 350 votes (75.59 percent) here while Hecht pulled in a mere

113 votes (24.41 percent). Statewide Martin picked up over 141,000 votes (over 62 percent) while Hecht took in just over 85,000 votes (less than 38 percent).

In the battle for Democrat nominee for Secretary of State, Gail Buckner defeated Darryl Hicks. Bucker received 299 votes (67.34 percent) in Union

County to Hicks' 145 votes (32.66 percent). Statewide Buckner won with more than 118,000 votes (over 55 percent) while Hicks had over 96,000 votes (almost 45 percent).

On the Republican side of the race for Secretary of State, Karen Handel won the nomination by defeating opponent Bill Stephens. This was the only state race in which a majority of Union County voters selected the candidate that did not win. Here, Stephens received 285 votes (60.64 percent) while Handel's campaign brought in 185 votes (39.36 percent). Across Georgia Handel tallied over 96,000 votes (over 56 percent) while Stephens received just under 74,000 votes (roughly 43 percent).

The Republican nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture was also determined when Gary Black defeated Brian Kemp. That contest was the closest race in Union County as Black pulled in 247 votes (53.46 percent) to Kemp's 215 votes (46.54). Statewide Black won comfortably, receiving over 101,000 votes (over 60 percent) while Kemp received roughly 67,000 votes (less than 40 percent).

All election results are unofficial. Union County totals do not include provisional and overseas ballots, but those only amount to a handful of votes and will not affect any outcomes.