Early returns show Thompson leading

RITZVILLE — After the initial count for Adams County Commissioner District No. 3, incumbent Terry Thompson holds a lead in the Tuesday, Nov. 8, general election.

The unofficial, preliminary total shows Thompson received 953 votes, (51.93%) at the end of the first day of counting.

“I appreciate the support I’ve received throughout Adams County, and not just in the panhandle,” he said.

Challenger Miguel A. “Mike” Garza trailed with 858 votes (46.76%).

“I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the opportunity to be involved in this race,” Garza said Tuesday night.

Despite these early returns, the election is far from over.

Approximately 7,823 ballots were mailed to Adams County voters, and 800 ballots have yet to be counted. Voter turnout was 26.08%.

Because of the Veterans Day holiday on Friday, the final count is not expected until next Monday at the earliest.

Additional counts of late-arriving ballots are planned over the next couple of weeks prior to certification of results on Nov. 29.