Ortonville- The village had 309 ballots cast in Tuesday’s election, 29.65 percent of 1,042 registered voters.
‘To my knowledge, it’s the highest voter turnout ever in the village,? said Clerk Mary Clark.
Clark said she spoke with former clerk Kerry Borst, who said 119 voters was the previous high turnout. The last village council election, in 2004, saw just 64 voters.
‘I am thrilled to see that many people turn out to vote,? said Clark. ?30 percent is phenomenal for any election. Most clerks would be thrilled.?
The village had the highest percentage of voter turnout of any election held on Tuesday in Oakland County. By comparison, Bingham Farms had a 9.44 percent turnout; the Village of Franklin had a 23.37 percent turnout; the Village of Holly, between two precincts, averaged less than a 9 percent turnout; the Village of Lake Orion had a 7.29 percent turnout; the Village of Milford averaged about 19 percent turnout between two precincts; the Village of Oxford had a 12.20 percent turnout and the City of Rochester Hills had an 18.41 percent turnout.
‘I think it was a historical day for Ortonville with over 300 voting and a 30 percent voter ratio,? said Melanie Nivelt, who won a 2-year partial term. ‘It’s extraordinary for a little town and with just a council vote, no proposals (on the ballot). It’s history in the making and fun to be a part of.?
Dan Eschmann, who won a 4-year council trustee position, said, ‘I think the sheer numbers of residents that voted in this election is a clear message that the status quo is no longer acceptable.?
Mary Kassuba, re-elected to a 4-year council trustee term was ‘stunned? by the turnout and Council President-Elect Ken Quisenberry said that while he was not surprised, given the recent tone of the community, he was encouraged by the election and overall results.