Primary voters in Mifflin, Juniata counties select nominees for fall ballot

BY BRIAN CARSON

Voters in Mifflin and Juniata counties cast ballots Tuesday in a primary election marked mostly by uncontested races, while Republican voters in both counties favored Jason Richey over John Ventre in the lieutenant governor race, according to unofficial results.

In Mifflin County, 3,290 ballots were cast, including 1,169 Democratic ballots and 2,121 Republican ballots. The county reported 26 of 26 precincts partially reporting, with no provisional votes listed in the unofficial totals.

In Juniata County, 3,174 ballots were cast out of 12,585 registered voters, for a turnout of 25.22%. The county reported 803 Democratic ballots and 2,371 Republican ballots. Juniata County reported 18 of 18 precincts partially reporting, with no provisional votes listed.

On the Republican ballot for lieutenant governor, Richey led Ventre in both counties. Richey received 1,406 votes in Mifflin County to Ventre’s 557. In Juniata County, Richey received 1,435 votes to Ventre’s 737.

On the Democratic ballot for lieutenant governor, Austin Davis received 1,117 votes in Mifflin County and 736 in Juniata County.

Stacy Garrity, unopposed for the Republican nomination for governor, received 1,849 votes in Mifflin County and 2,172 in Juniata County. Josh Shapiro, unopposed for the Democratic nomination for governor, received 1,139 votes in Mifflin County and 762 in Juniata County.

In the 13th Congressional District, Republican John Joyce received 1,995 votes in Mifflin County and 2,233 in Juniata County. Democrat Beth Farnham received 1,117 votes in Mifflin County and 736 in Juniata County.

In the 30th Senatorial District, Republican Judy Ward received 2,019 votes in Mifflin County and 2,227 in Juniata County. Democrat Sean Steeg received 1,110 votes in Mifflin County and 728 in Juniata County.

State House races also appeared on local ballots.

In Mifflin County, Republican David H. Rowe received 1,022 votes in the 85th Legislative District. Democratic write-in votes totaled 35 in that race. In the 171st Legislative District, Republican Kerry A. Benninghoff received 997 votes, while Democrat John Zangari received 679.

In Juniata County, Rowe received 510 Republican votes in the county’s portion of the 85th Legislative District. Democratic write-in votes totaled 10. In the 86th Legislative District, Republican Perry Stambaugh received 1,715 votes, while Democrat Wendy Morgan received 597.

In the Republican State Committee race in Mifflin County, voters could select two candidates. Jonathan R. Watson led with 1,762 votes, followed by Mary L. Smith with 1,623. In Juniata County, Ronnie Brown received 2,098 votes for the Republican State Committee.

The unofficial results also included precinct committee races in both counties, many of which involved write-in votes or had no listed candidates on the ballot.

Juniata County reported 10,036 registered Republican voters and 2,549 registered Democratic voters. Republican turnout was 23.62%, while Democratic turnout was 31.5%.

Mifflin County’s unofficial summary listed registered voters and turnout at zero, though ballots cast were reported by party and voting method. Of the 3,290 ballots cast, 1,758 were Election Day ballots, and 1,532 were mail ballots.

The results remain unofficial until certified by county election officials.