Mineral ballot dominated by Republicans
May 13—KEYSER, W.Va. — With few Democratic candidates in Mineral County, Tuesday's primary voting will decide several races, including sheriff.
Incumbent Sheriff Forest "Buddy" Ellifritz is facing a challenge from Joel Whisner. Ellifritz was first elected sheriff in 2020 with the post carrying a four-year term. With both candidates being Republicans that race will essentially be decided Tuesday.
Lauren Ellifritz, Mineral County clerk, said early voting, which ran May 1-11, was not busy.
"The turnout has actually been pretty low," Ellifritz said Friday. "We've got a good bit of local races but it's been slow.
"We had a good turnout in 2022. It wasn't a presidential election year in 2022 but we had a good turnout. But we're voting for president this time so I was expecting to see more in early voting."
Another race that will be decided in the primary is the Mineral County Board of Education. Two seats are up for election in the nonpartisan race. Incumbents Donald Ashby Jr. and Tom Denne will face challenger Bret Ridgel. The race will be decided in the primary with the two top vote-getters winning seats.
A race that will be decided by the Nov. 5 general election is the open seat on the Mineral County Commission. Six Republicans and one Democrat are seeking a single open seat on the commission.
The county commission consists of three elected officials and seats are staggered so one is up each election. The post currently held by Commission President Jerry Whisner, who is retiring after serving two terms, is up for election. County commissioners serve six-year terms.
Republican candidates for commissioner include Kristen K. Howell, Lewis Kitzmiller II, Jason Whitlock, Troy Kesner, David Boden, Jim Hannas and William "Butch" Wahl. The winner in the primary will move on to the general election to face the lone Democratic candidate, former Commissioner Cindy Pyles.
Two partisan races feature candidates running unopposed. Republicans Jill M. Cosner is on the ballot for assessor and Charles B. Johnson III is running for prosecuting attorney. Both Cosner and Johnson will move on to the general election ballot since they could face write-in candidates.
Other nonpartisan races on the ballot include magistrate for Division 1, which features candidates Charles Gulbronson and Terrance "T.J." Holderby.
The magistrate race for Division 2 features Patrick Amoroso running unopposed. Also running unchallenged is Kent Spencer for conservation district supervisor.
Polls will be open at Mineral County's 24 precincts on Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Greg Larry is a reporter at the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4951, email glarry@times-news.com and follow him on Twitter @GregLarryCTN.
