RIDGEWAY – In a mayoral race that came close to being upset by write-in votes, incumbent Mayor Rick Johnson, with 39 votes (50.65%), retained his seat by 3 votes, besting write-in candidate Belva Bush with 36 votes (no percentage was listed).
Current Councilman Doug Porter retained his seat with 52 votes (35.86%). Former Mayor Charlene Herring garnered 49 votes (33.79%), 5 more votes than newcomer Charles Arndt with 44 votes (30.34%).
There were two other write-in votes for Joe Arnold and Charles Arndt.
Of the 234 registered voters in the Ridgeway precinct, 80 ballots were cast with a total of 145 votes for a 34.19% turnout.
The official results will be certified on Thursday at 10 a.m at the Voter Registeration building in Winnsboro.