Primary election results bring smiles and 'jelly rolls'

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — His seasoned-radio voice bounced down the vacant hallways, relaying primary election polling results live to radio listeners from the Walton County Courthouse.

“Use to be everyone would come here,” said Art Dees, the long-time DeFuniak Springs radio personality of the dismal turn out. “The counting was done at the table with the candidates, counters and the press sitting at a big table.”

Dees has been the voice of 1460 WZEP AM for three decades. He joined Jackson Davis, 3, and his father Mark as the only election result watchers in the courthouse. A room was set aside for the community to watch the results roll in.

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The lackluster level of interest seemed to be mirrored in the 27.5 percent turnout; 10,065 of 36,594 eligible voters cast ballots in the Aug. 14 primaries.

Within an hour after the polls closed, with a majority of the county’s 34 precincts reporting, folks knew that Sara Comander clinched the District-4 Republican nomination.

A tripped fire alarm from opening a safety door announced the arrival of the thrilled Commissioner, who broke from her funeral-business habit of playing it straight faced. She flashed a big smile as she enjoyed the moment.

“I like to make an appearance,” she said.

The new District 2 school board member Faye Leddon also joined in the election enthusiasm at the courthouse. She beat out Zane Sunday to secure the seat on the board.

“I am very excited,” Leddon said. “I just hope I can make a difference…”

District 3 incumbent Sharon Byrd also made an appearance after taking down Bill Eddins. The two will be joined on the board by Dennis Wallace, who easily over came longtime incumbent Darrell Barnhill.

Despite the drop-ins from the victors, Supervisor of Elections Bobby Beasley said the courthouse is usually a party atmosphere on Election Day.

But he acknowledged that there is “always” less voter participation in the primaries.

Art Dees points to "technology" and the tone of campaigns as the reason for the lack of attendance, but he said one thing will remain the same.

“In the morning I will sing to the losers a song that Cutter Douglas started singing in 1956, 57 or 58,” Dees said, as he sang a line. “I ain’t gonna give you none of my jelly roll…"