By Marla Jones • marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Tuesday night, DeKalb County voters cast ballots for two different races for the DeKalb County Board of Education.

In one of the closest races ever, Carol Hiett, Arlan “Monk” Blevins, and incumbent Jeff Williams fought to the bitter end to force a runoff for the District 3 seat. Hiett received 846 votes, which ensured her a place in the runoff, but Williams and Blevins only had one vote separating their final tallies of 747 and 748, respectively.

Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn stated, “Provisional ballots will be delivered to the Board of Registrars [on Wednesday, June 6]. They will be counted and votes, if any, will be announced at noon next Tuesday.”

Osborn went on to say that since he has been in office, an election of this magnitude has never come down to one vote.

In the race for District 4, political newcomer Monty Darwin received 888 votes while incumbent Board member Matt G. Sharp received 617 votes, which means that they will face off in a runoff. Former guidance counselor Hazel Haynes took third place with 561 votes.

As of press time, these two races are the only ones that will head to a runoff. The runoff for these offices as well as the statewide offices of Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor (Republican nominations) will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.