Jim Ross and Alan Hoos will meet in a June 19 run-off to decide the Republican candidate for Carroll County Sheriff.
In unofficial results, Ross received 1,306 votes, or 45 percent of the 2,899 ballots cast. Hoos followed with 1,002, for 34 percent, and Jack Gentry, Jr., followed with 591, or 20 percent. Results will not become official until certified by the Carroll County Election Commission this week.
The three candidates all ran positive campaigns, and publicly complimented their opponents. The remaining two candidates told the Independent they will stay on the high road through the run-off. They also expressed appreciation for those who voted for them, and discussed the coming month.
“I’m new at this,” Ross said. “I’ve learned a lot, but I still have a lot to learn.” Hoos said he enjoyed meeting so many new people during the campaign. “The run-off will give me the opportunity to get out and meet more people,” he said. The winner will face Democratic candidate Mark Bailey in November. This election also marks the change from a two-year term to a four-year term.
With new electronic machines in use at the six voting sites, election officials had high hopes of releasing election results early. The paper ballots and electronic counter from Oak Grove arrived first, at 8:30 p.m., followed within 10 minutes by the results from Osage, Eureka Springs, and Holiday Island. The closest polling place, Berryville, reported in at 8:50 p.m., and the results were announced by 9:30 p.m.