Justin Power has one thing he would like to say to the voters of Dawson County: "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Power took 55 percent of the vote in the Aug. 10 runoff for clerk of courts in Dawson County. His opponent, Gaye Cantrell, got 45 percent.

Cantrell, 51, offered congratulations to Power, 28, at the elections office following the news.

"He's a nice young man, and I wish him the best," said Cantrell, who received 1,573 votes in the runoff.

Power, a local real estate agent, received 1,925 votes.
"It's been a pleasure running this campaign alongside Gaye Cantrell," Power said. "She's a wonderful lady. She displayed amazing character and professionalism."

Cantrell, a retired banker, said it was a good experience overall.

"I'll always remember all the friends I've made," she said. "I'm glad I did this."

Power said he's excited "to get in office and start the job. I will do my best to serve the citizens of Dawson County."

At 29.61 percent, voter turnout from Dawson County residents was good, according to Glenda Ferguson, chairperson of the local board of elections and registration.

"It's a great number," she said, adding that "everything went great. The flow went good, the machines, everything went really well."

Of the 12,205 registered voters in Dawson County, 3,614 voted Tuesday.

Power and Cantrell were the two top vote getters in the July 20 special election to succeed former Clerk of Courts Becky McCord. The special election featured 10 candidates for the post.