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Ballot shortages, record turnout and two runoffs...

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Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends.

It was an exciting and chaotic Election Day in Apopka. Despite the two largest polling places running out of ballots, having problems with voting machines and verifying registrations, there was record turnout. In fact, Apopka's 10,234 voters almost doubled the second highest turnout.

Commissioner Bill Arrowsmith had a record breaking performance. Commissioner Bill Arrowsmith had a record breaking performance with 4,489 votes received.

And it was so much fun that Apopka will do it all over on April 12th.

Commissioner Bill Arrowsmith amassed 4,489 votes to lead the way in the Seat #4 election, which was the highest vote total in Apopka Municipal election history. However with 47% of the votes, it was not enough to avoid a runoff with first-time candidate Kyle Becker.

Becker had 3,611 votes and 38% of the total. Upstart Young Kim kept both candidates from getting the needed majority by claiming 1,464 votes (15%), but Becker sees Kim’s votes as potential Becker voters in the runoff.

“I am very excited that my campaign is still alive and well,” he said. “I have received so many well wishes since results came in last night, and look forward to working hard to win the election on April 12th. I would like to thank all of my supporters and those who trusted me with their vote. With the majority of the votes between myself and Mr. Kim, Apopka has indicated they want change, and I hope to be the one to make that happen.”

Alice Nolan celebrates her efforts and looks to the future. Alice Nolan celebrates her efforts and looks to the future.

In Seat #3, Doug Bankson edged Commissioner Sam Ruth with 3,875 votes (41%) to Ruth’s 3,426 (36%). They head to a runoff as well because of a surprising performance by first-time candidate Alice Nolan, who received 2,148 votes (23%).

Nolan was upbeat despite a third place finish, and hinted at future runs for public office.

“I would like to thank Apopka for the hard work each one of you have put into this election season. It showed in our numbers and I could not be anymore proud to call Apopka home. I will continue focusing my time on all of Apopka. I am very proud of my campaign and excited to see what is on the horizon.”

Bankson was pleased with the effort and continues to look ahead until the race is finished.

“We are excited and looking forward to the finish line,” he said. “I have a tremendous team of supporters and this is truly a team effort.”

This is becoming a trend in Apopka elections.

Five out of the last six elections since 2012 have gone to runoffs. Only Commissioner Diane Velazquez was able to win her seat on the first ballot, defeating Marilyn McQueen in 2014.

However, candidates that came in first place in general elections have fared well in the runoff. Four out of five times, the leader in the general holds on to defeat the candidate in second place. Only Mayor Joe Kilsheimer was able to buck that trend - winning Seat #3 in 2012 after coming in second place to Linda

Laurendeau in the general election.

So relax, have a cold drink and enjoy another month of campaigning Apopka. It's runoff season!

 

 

Alice Nolan, Apopka City Commission Elections, April 12th, Commissioner Bill Arrowsmith, Commissioner Sam Ruth, Doug Bankson, Kyle Becker, Runoff, Seat #3, Seat #4, Young Kim

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