Matt Santini Cruises To Re-Election As Cartersville Mayor

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- Voters in Cartersville have had their say, and they want Matt Santini to return to office as mayor. That's according to unofficial results posted on the Bartow County Elections and Voter Registration's website.

Santini easily defeated challenger Barbara Jackson with 1,062 votes, or 90 percent of the votes casts. Jackson only garnered 98 votes, or just 8 percent. The remaining votes cast went to write-in candidates.

A total of 1,172 Cartersville voters cast ballots in the Nov. 7 election, which includes those who either mailed in ballots, voted early or showed up at the polls Tuesday.

"I couldn’t let this long day end without saying a big THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me today and for the so many who have been so supportive of me and my family during this election season," Santini said late Tuesday evening on his Facebook page. "It is an honor to be able to continue serving as the mayor of the great city of Cartersville."

In the city's other contested race, Cary Roth was elected to represent Ward 3 on the Cartersville City Council, defeating challenger Joey Pogue with 52 percent, or 361 votes. Pogue received 48 percent, or 339 votes.

• Check out all Bartow County election results here.

To the north in Adairsville, Post 3 City Council member Lee Castro defeated challenger Lynn Whitlock. Castro received 60 percent, or 114 votes, compared to Whitlock's 40 percent, or 76 votes.

Over in Euharlee, that city will have a new mayor. Steve D. Worthington squeaked out a win over challenger Ronald Nesbitt with 54 percent, or 175 votes. Nesbitt garnered 46 percent, or 150 votes. Euharlee City Council At Large incumbent Joe Turner also was re-elected, with 51 percent, or 212 votes. His challenger, Tracy A. Queen, received 46 percent, or 191 votes. The rest of Euharlee voters chose to write in candidates for that race. Euharlee residents also overwhelmingly approved proposed homestead exemptions, with each question receiving more than 80 percent approval.

The city of White will also have a new mayor, as Kim D. Billue appears to have won the election with 56 percent, or 94 votes. Billue's challenger, David King, received 44 percent, or 73 votes. Finally, in Kingston, the Post 4 City Council seat will have a new face, as Louise Y. Harris won the race with 69 percent, or 69 votes. Harris's challenger, Vivian Shaw, was the recipient of 31 percent, or 31 votes.

Readers should note that the results are unofficial until they are certified by the Bartow County Board of Elections and Registration. Return for updates.

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