Local Election Results - General Election '09

Athens County's election results were all in as of around 10 Tuesday night. To see the summary of results, click here. To see precinct by precinct breakdowns, click here.

In the only contested Athens City Council race, council member Christine Fahl, a Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Randy Morris by 30 votes in the unofficial count.

The Athens County Board of Elections posted the results around 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Fahl garnered 52.08 percent of the votes (376 votes) to Morris' 47.92 percent (346 votes).

Morris had campaigned as what he said was a needed skeptical and conservative voice on the all-Democratic council. If the Election Day troubles of Athens County Democratic Party Chair Susan Gwinn eroded votes from fellow party member Fahl, it wasn't enough to turn the election against her. Just Fourth Ward voters could cast ballots in this race.

On the issues, Athens County voters went with the statewide results on Issue 1 (vets' bonuses), passing it 71.06 to 28.94 percent.

As of 10:30 p.m., Athens County was bucking the statewide tide on Issue 2 (livestock board), voting 61.37 percent no to 38.63 percent yes. Statewide, with 59 percent percent of the vote counted, Issue 2 looked like it was sailing to an easy victory, with about 65 percent yes and 35 percent no. According to the Secretary of State's office, Athens County was the only county in Ohio that voted no on Issue 2, extending Athens' reputation as a maverick in state politics.

Athens County voters soundly rejected Issue 3, the casino gambling measure, voting 59.96 percent no to 40.04 percent yes. Statewide, however, it was still too early to tell. As of 10:30 p.m., Issue 3 had 53.15 percent yes votes and 46.85 percent no. (Issue 3 wound up winning statewide with 53 perent voting yes.)

On local issues, Athens County voters approved a renewal levy for emergency medical services (69.10 to 30.90 percent), OKed a replacement levy for the health department (63.70 to 36.30 percent), and passed a tax levy for seniors/meals on wheels (64.01 to 35.99 percent).

Athens city voters OKed a gas aggregation program by 69.87 to 30.13 percent.