Most races uncontested in County Elections

In June, five candidates up for election in Phillips County positions won their primaries and going into Election Day next Tuesday, November 6, they are each running unopposed for those public service positions.

One election that reaches outside of Phillips County, but effects the area, is the two-way race for the 17th District Judge position between Judge Yvonne Laird and Attorney Peter Helland (their candidate profiles can be found at the Phillips County News website - phillipscountynews.com by searching the headline "Helland and Laird vie for 17th District Court Judgeship"). The election for the judge seat is non-partisan and in June's primary election, Judge Laird received 2,570 votes to Helland's 2,505.)

Another election position that reaches outside the County, but effects the area, is the State Representative from District 33 seat which Rep. Casey Knudsen of Malta, Republican, is seeking a second term. Rep. Knudsen ran unopposed in the June primary and is running unopposed in the upcoming election.

As for the uncontested positions within Phillips County, current County Commissioner Bruce Christofferson (R) defeated challengers Randy Shores and Darla Niebur in the June primary by receiving nearly 50-percent of the vote. Commissioner Christofferson is running unopposed.

Current Phillips County Clerk and Recorder Marian Ereaux is retiring from her position and Lynnel LaBrie, (R) who currently works in that office, defeated Connie Zanto in the June primary and is also running without competition in the upcoming election. LaBrie is running unopposed.

Current Phillips County Sheriff Scott Moran is retiring after his current term is up and in June, Sheriff's Deputy Jerry Lytle (R) defeated fellow Deputy Burt Peigneux in the primary by 18 votes (770-to-752) and is running unopposed in the upcoming election.

A position up for election which was not on the June primary ballot was that of Phillips County Justice of the Peace which is currently held by Judge Gayle Stahl. Judge Stahl is seeking reelection, unopposed, in this bipartisan election.

Public service positions up for reelection by incumbent candidates who ran unopposed in the June primary and will run unopposed in the upcoming election are Phillips County Attorney Edward A. Amestoy, Phillips County Superintendent Darlene Kolczak, and Phillips County Treasurer Jean Mavencamp.

Nearly 62-percent of registered voters voted in the June primary (1,669 votes cast by 2,704 votes in the County) while statewide voter turnout in the primary was 41-percent.

Polls will be open on Election Day in Phillips County from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. If you have questions regarding your voter registration status, please call the Phillips County Election Office at 654-2423.