Judge, commissioner races highlight Greene County election
WAYNESBURG – An average turnout is expected for today’s general election in Greene County, although competitive races for both judge and county commissioner could boost those expectations slightly.
Greene County Elections Director Tina Kiger said her office received 324 absentee ballots by early Monday afternoon, which is “a little more” than usual for an off-year election.
She declined to offer a specific turnout prediction, but estimated it would be similar to May’s primary election in which 38 percent of voters showed up at the polls to cast their ballots.
“I believe we will have a similar turnout (to the primary),” Kiger said. “Hopefully better. It can always be better.
“I think it’s basically hinging on the judicial and county races,” she said.
The most closely watched race is expected to be the 10-year term for Greene County judge. Democratic nominee Louis Dayich and Republican candidate Jeffry Grimes were separated by just 138 total votes in the primary, meaning independents could swing the race for either candidate.
The county commissioners race is also expected to be competitive.
Voters must elect three commissioners between Democrats Blair Zimmerman and Dave Coder, and Republicans Archie Trader and Keith McClure. Zimmerman and Trader are incumbent commissioners while Coder previously served on the board.
Incumbent Charles Morris, who lost the Democratic nomination to Coder by just 24 votes in the primary, is mounting a write-in campaign.
Incumbent Greene County row officers face no opposition in today’s election and, barring any unexpected write-in efforts, should have an easy election day.
All are Democrats, and they include Prothonotary Susan Kartley White, Clerk of Courts Sherry L. Wise, Treasurer Cory L. Grandel, Controller Dave Balint and District Attorney Marjorie Fox.
Donna J. Tharp, a Democrat and the acting register and recorder, also is unopposed for the office.
There are also various statewide judicial races, including an unprecedented three vacancies on the state Supreme Court. Vying for the seats are Democrats David Wecht, Christine Donohue, Kevin M. Dougherty; Republicans Anne Covey, Michael George and Judith Olson; and independent Paul P. Panepinto.
State Superior Court’s one vacancy will be filled by either Democrat Alice Beck Dubow and Republican Emil Giordano. Elected to Commonwealth Court will be either Michael Wojcik or Paul Lalley.
The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
The only change with any of the precincts in Greene County this election is that voters in Whiteley Township will have their polling place moved to the second floor of the township’s municipal building, instead of being held on the ground floor, Kiger said. She added poll workers will be able to direct people to the voting machines.
Kiger also urged any voters who experience problems with their electronic voting machines to immediately notify a poll worker for assistance. The elections office received two reports during the primary of malfunctioning machines, although workers at both precincts handled the situation appropriately as they moved voters to another ballot box. Kiger said anyone experiencing problems can also contact the county voting office at 724-852-5304.
Staff writers Bob Niedbala and Barbara S. Miller contribute to this story.