Greene County voters cast a total of 4,871 ballots in the Nov. 8 general election for a voter turnout of 71.43 percent, well ahead of national averages in national elections over past decades. Of the total ballots, 1,935, nearly 40 percent, were cast early.
Almost one-fifth of voters selected a straight party ticket, with 664 Republican straight tickets, 348 Democratic tickets, 48 New Independent Party tickets and 22 Libertarian tickets.
Not all voters marked a choice for president; a total of 4,816 votes were cast at the top of the ballot, with 2,819 for Republicans Donald Trump and Michael Pence, and 1,688 for Democrats Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine. Libertarians Gary Johnson and Bill Weld picked up 160 votes.
Greene County voters favored longtime incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley over challenger Democrat Patty Judge by a vote of 3,194 to 1,342.
The margin was tighter in the race for the Fourth Congressional district. Incumbent Republican Steve King won with 2,704 votes to challenger Democrat Kim Weaver’s 1,900 votes.
Incumbent Republicans will represent Greene County for the next term in the state capitol. Jerry Behn (R) received 3,022 votes while challenger Keith Puntenney (D) received 1,368 votes for state Senate District 24. Chip Baltimore (R) received 2,891 votes for state House District 47 and challenger Deb Duncan (D) received 1,519 votes.
For complete election results, including township trustees, Greene County Extension council seats, Greene County Hospital trustees, soil and water conservation district commissioners, and the judicial retention questions, visit the county auditor’s website.
