Jackson defeats Ware in Sturgis special election

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By STEVEN NALLEY
educ@starkvilledailynews.com [2]

Sturgis residents elected James Eric Jackson to finish the unexpired term of former Alderman Quinnia Yates Tuesday.

Election commissioners stationed at the Sturgis Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department said Jackson received 46 votes, while opponent Mallory Ware received 27 votes. Four absentee ballots and three affidavits will not be counted until Wednesday, but the margin was large enough to declare a winner, and Jackson is slated to be sworn in Thursday.

Election commissioner Jerry Drott said the total of 77 votes out of Sturgis’s eligible voting population of 147 was a good turnout.

Jackson has served as a Sturgis alderman before, but like Yates, he had to resign before his term ended due to health-related concerns. Jackson said he is grateful for the chance to serve the city again.

“It means an opportunity to serve my town and hopefully make it a better place,” Jackson said. “Of course, (I want to encourage) businesses and stores to come into our area. Also, I’d like to get grants for completion of our sewers here in town, and of course, the (motorcycle) rally, I’m sure, will be a big thing.”