CULLMAN – Incumbent Kenneth Walker was re-elected Cullman County Commission Chairman tonight, a fete not accomplished since 1981. Walker defeated challenger Darrell Hicks, former Commissioner, Place 1, by a margin of 28 percent. With 50 of 51 precincts reporting, Walker claimed a whopping 64 percent to Hicks' 36 percent. But while the margin of victory was impressive, voter turnout was staggeringly low. Only 8 percent of Cullman County's registered voters came out to the polls.
"Voter turnout is always low at runoff elections," said Probate Judge Tammy Brown, "but this is a very low turnout. I knew it would be. I predicted somewhere between 7-10 percent," she sighed, stating that she had been talking to people around the county heading up to today's election.
While tonight's results are sufficient to call the election in Walker's favor, the totals won't be official until next week, when the provisional ballots will be counted on Tuesday at noon at the Cullman County Courthouse.
Walker arrived at the courthouse after most of the precincts had been counted, flanked by family and supporters. "I appreciate everyone's support," he said as he made his way through the small crowd.
We at The Cullman Tribune would like to congratulate Mr. Walker on his victory and congratulate both Mr. Walker and Mr. Hicks on a good, clean campaign.
