Drew County will see a new face in the Courthouse in 2023 as challenger Jessie Griffin narrowly defeated sitting Drew County Judge Robert Akin during the 2022 Primary election Tuesday, May 24, with only 26.39 percent of registered voters in the county turning out to cast their vote.
Griffin showed a slight lead throughout the night as precincts reported,
ending with 52.1 percent of the vote over Akin’s 46.78 percent. In the end, it came down to a less than 100 vote difference in the contest.
“I look forward to working for Drew County and am eager to work with the different organizations and municipalities to find solutions,” Griffin said of his victory.
Also on the republican primary ticket was the competition between Stephanie Chisom and Hannah Adcock for County Clerk, a position that is currently filled by Nancy White. White was appointed when Lyna Gulledge resigned from the position due to a family relocation early in her term. Chisom won the match with over 58.9 percent of the vote while Adcock captured 35.61 percent of the vote, a difference of close to 500 votes.
Saline Township Constable was awarded to Steven Paul Sturgis who defeated Shiloh Jordan with 68.99 percent to Jordan’s 24.68 percent of the vote.
Two school board positions had competition with Rene Knowles securing another term on the Drew Central School Board for Zone 2 with 56.9
percent of the vote compared to Keith Alexander bringing in 38.25 percent.
Keith Wells Sr. Will serve on the Monticello School Bard for Zone 2, beating challenger Angelia Anderson with 60.96 percent compared to her 33.56 percent.
A Drew Central Millage rate of 39.90 mills was defeated in the election.
