Long Night: Computer catches up at 2:15 a.m.; Validates election of incumbent Kellerman, deputy Steve Bareis
A computer with apparently some finicky software loaded by the election equipment vendor got its tabulating legs back again at around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday morning and pulled together the results from Tuesday's primary.
It shows four-term incumbent Keith Kellerman defeating democrat challengers Dennis Cole and Jerry Speers.
The final vote count was Kellerman 924, Cole 556 and Speers 321. Even adding Speers' total to Cole's could not have beaten Kellerman, but it was an anxious election to say the least for all. Cole blames a low primary turnout for the disparity.
Kellerman will face 12-year career law enforcement officer Steve Bareis in the Nov. 4 general election. Bareis is one of the department's lead deputies and works with schools throughout the county as educator and liaison officer.
Bareis Comments
Kellerman commented on Tuesday night. Bareis commented on Wednesday:
"I would like thank the people of Perry County for their support in seeing me through the Republican Primary. I will continue to stand on the principles of integrity, fairness, and community service. I am excited about the future prospects and what the Lord may have for me. I respect Gale Reidelberger and appreciate his professional friendship over the years. It is my hope that relationship will not change.
"I look forward to the Sheriff race. I have a professional respect for Keith Kellerman. We have worked together for 13 years. I will continue to be professional and respectful throughout this election.
"Democratic government is about doing things for the people and by the people. The people of Perry County have chosen me to be a candidate for Perry County Sheriff. The position of Sheriff is a highly held office that demands a high level of respect, honor, and professionalism.
"I will endeavor to be a role model to the community and bring dignity to the office of Perry County Sheriff.
"I appreciate the opportunity before me and will make every effort to live by my Christian ideals, hold dear the sacred honor of serving as a law enforcement officer, and above all serve the people of Perry County."
Absentee ballots were being inputed Wednesday morning and overseas servicemen have until April 1 to get their ballots into the office.
How Perry County
Voted on Tuesday
Perry County Clerk Josh Gross had no opposition in the primary and will have none in the general election. He received 1,532 votes.
Perry County Treasurer Bill Taylor had no opposition in the primary and will have none in the general election. He received 1,488 votes.
Perry County Commissioner Jim Epplin had no opposition in the primary and will have none in the general election. He received 1,343 votes.
In the Democrat primary for governor, Perry County voters favored challenger Tio Hardiman over Gov. Pat Quinn 826 to 628.
In the Republican primary for governor, Perry County voters favored Kirk Dillard over Bruce Rauner 937 to 319. Bill Brady received 302 votes. Dan Rutherford received 149 votes.
12th District congressional incumbent Bill Enyart and republican challenger Mike Bost were unopposed and will face each other in November. Perry County democrats cast 1,470 votes for Enyart and Perry County republicans cast 1,600 for Bost.
In the 115th legislative race Democrats favored William "Bill" Kilquist over Tony Mayville 445-424. In the 115th legislative race Republicans favored Terri Bryant over Robert White 504 to 329.
With respect to the overnight computer problems the eMail from Perry County Clerk Josh Gross to newspapers read:
"I wanted to drop you a short line this morning thanking you for you patience.
"The results are compiled and reported in full on the PerryCountyClerk.com website.
"Last night (Tuesday night) there was a database error with our election vendor and that error resulted in a nearly four hour delay in them uploading results from the memory cards on all touchscreen voting machines.
"The integrity of all data was secure and we were able to print off election reports from all machines verifying the vote totals as they were delivered to my office.
"The election team of myself, Mary Gerrish, and Tory Woods stayed on site until approximately 2:15 am until all results were uploaded correctly.
"The absentee votes were added this (Wednesday morning) morning at approximately 8:55 am. I will be generating unofficial canvass reports with assistance from my election vendor later this morning. I will be out collecting election equipment once that canvass is completed feel free to view final results from the clerk website or visit my office for a paper copy."