While voter turnout was low in Forsyth County, election excitement was at an all-time high, as numbers trickled in all evening from the 31 polling precincts across the county, eventually reflecting numbers that would result in a runoff for the two incumbent commissioners, Jack Conway (District 3) and Charlie Laughinghouse (District 1).

Incumbent Conway and Jim Harrell, both running for District 3, ended up neck and neck till the evening's end, with Harrell leading at the close of polling results with 43% of the votes. Conway brought in 39% and Bill Hatley, the third commission hopeful brought in 18% of the vote.

The race for District 1 resulted in incumbent Laughinghouse taking 48% of the vote, opponent Pete Amos taking 37% and opponent Pam Bowman receiving 15% of the vote. Laughinghouse missed an outright win by less than one vote per neighborhood.

A runoff is set for Tuesday, August 8, 2006, between Laughinghouse and Amos and Conway and Harrell.

Harrell and Laughinghouse camps have indicated that they are seeking volunteers during the runoff period and welcome interested parties to visit their web sites to learn more about their platforms, www.jimharrell.net and www.laughinghouse.com.

Please visit www.forsythco.com to view election results and for more information on commission posts and candidates.