Tuesday’s primary election, rescheduled twice, and was the first almost completely vote-by-mail election held in Ohio. According to election officials, the overall turnout was roughly 25 percent of Williams County’s 24,560 registered voters. Results were reportedly announced at the suggested deadline for results, set by the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office. Officials say except for minor issues, the overall process went smoothly.

Thomas Kochert wins the popular vote in the Republican primary for Williams County Sheriff with 43% of the votes, while Timothy Livengood ended the day with 33% and Shaun Fulk had 23% of the votes. With no Democratic Party challenger on the ballot, Kochert is the likely favorite in the November 5 general election. He says fiscal responsibility at the office is his first priority.

Congressman, Bob Latta ran unopposed in the GOP primary for Ohio’s 5th District, getting 43,681 votes. In the Democratic primary, Nick Rubando collected 49% for the win. State Representative James Hoops won unopposed for Ohio’s 81st District. Williams County Commissioner, Lew Hilkert and challenger, Democrat Heather Freese, were unopposed.

Residents of the North Central Local School District voted down a school income tax increase. The proposal would have generated around $338 thousand dollars a year for the district in order to avoid deficit spending. Officials project the district will likely go into the red next year by $50 to $75 thousand dollars. North Central is the only district in the county without some form of a school district income tax. The funds were intended to be used for day-to-day operating expenses, payroll, and supplies.