By Ray King

At a meeting Friday night, the Jefferson County Election Commission certified the results of the primary elections after accepting nine ballots that were initially rejected because the voters failed to provide identification at the polls. Another six ballots were rejected.

Commission Chairman Mike Adam was asked about the commission’s actions and if the nine ballots changed any outcomes.

Final official results showed that LaTisha Brunson collected 580 votes to earn a spot in the runoff for the First Ward Council spot  currently held by Council Member Joni Alexander who did not seek reelection. She will be opposed by Danny Walker, the son of former Council Member Thelma Walker who received 242 votes, 16 more than third-place finisher David D. Knott.

In Ward 3, incumbent Ivan Whitfield led the ticket with 578 votes and will be opposed by Lanette R. Frazier, who got 406.  In that three person race, retired state government employee Quranner “Q” Cotledge got 227 votes.

Because the Constable position in Vaugine Township, which had four candidates running, none of which collected 50 percent plus one vote covers the entire City of Pine Bluff, Adam said all the normal poling sites in the City will be open election day June 21.

DeShawn Bennett led the ticket, getting 2,116 votes and will be opposed by Leon Warren Sr., who got 864. Eugene Butler and Denarious Woods trailed the leaders in that contest.

Early voting for the runoff elections begins June 14 and Adam said it will only run through Friday, June 17. There will be no voting on Saturday or on Monday June 20 because he said the courthouse will be closed.