A West Jasper School Board member election that went down to the wire on election night only separated by three votes was decided Thursday morning by the Jasper County Election Commission during a count of affidavit ballots.
Wade Hosey narrowly defeated Hope Stringer James for the West Jasper District 5 School Board seat. Hosey carried a three vote lead into the affidavit count Thursday and earned four more votes to boost his lead to 536 total votes. James earned two votes in the affidavit count and finished with 531 total votes.
Ballots counted Thursday at the Jasper County Court House in Bay Springs involving the school board election, according to Jasper County Circuit Clerk Billy Rayner, included regular affidavits, no-photo affidavits, absentee affidavits, and post-election absentee ballots from three precincts in the county (Bay Springs Beat 4, Stringer, and Moss). Election records until Thursday were sealed and in Rayner's custody, locked in the Circuit Clerk’s office vault, per state law after being returned from the precincts on election night. The ballots, by law, could not be considered for one week following the election. With the Veterans Day holiday falling on Wednesday, the election was ruled on Thursday.
Rayner explained the race for the school board seat was one of the best run and closest elections he has seen in a while.
“This is one for the books. Five years ago, we had a school board race in 4 West Jasper County that was decided by four votes, and this one was decided by five. It looks like West Jasper is going to be known for close elections,” he said Thursday morning following the ruling. “I commend both of the them (Hosey and James). Both of them ran a good race, and that's apparent by the results. I'm proud of each of them, and I'm proud of how they conducted themselves today. Even with Mrs. James coming out five votes short, she has nothing to be ashamed of; they both ran a good race.”
Certified election results were entered into the local system and were transmitted electronically to the Secretary of State's Office before 5 p.m. Thursday.
Hosey said Thursday morning after the ruling that he was relieved the election is over and is ready to begin serving the school district.
“I feel relieved, and am happy and excited to serve the school district in any capacity that I can to better brighten the future of our children of the school district. I am definitely blessed to be able to be in the position to help the kids at Bay Springs and Stringer; to help them get what they need in proper training and education to move on for a bright future,” he explained. “I love my community and Jasper County. I've been here all my life and am just glad to serve.”
Hosey went on to say that he appreciated James and the race she ran.
“She and I went to school together, and she and my wife actually graduated together,” he mentioned. “She was a good opponent and was very qualified.”
James also said that she was relieved the election was finally over and feels that Hosey will be a good addition to the school board.
“Congratulations to our new school board member. It's never fun to do anything against a friend,” she mentioned Thursday morning. “ He has my prayers and support for the next six years.”