EMPORIUM — Voter turnout in Cameron County was surprisingly low, with only 22.49 percent of registered voters heading out to the polls on Tuesday for the municipal primary election, according to preliminary results.
Most races within the county were uncontested, which likely led to the low voter turnout. Of 2,841 registered voters in the county, only 639 ballots were cast.
The most hotly-contested race in the county is for the position of Emporium Borough mayor. Four candidates appeared on the ballots: George Sowers and Richard Balizet vying for the Democratic nomination, and Justin Zimmer and Philip Reed for Republicans.
Sowers will appear on the November general election ballot for the Democrats, having earned 77 votes against Balizet’s 18 votes. There were also nine write-ins.
Zimmer earned the Republican nomination, receiving 94 votes. Reed earned 44 votes. Eleven write-ins were reported.
Democrats in Lumber Township had a contested race for township supervisor. James F. “Cowboy” Cackowski earned 15 votes, while Edward Uzdale took only 12. This race is too close to call, currently, as absentee ballots have yet to be counted.
Official results will be released following canvassing, which will take place later this week.
