(No. 9) Low turnout, high consequences, and voters choosing direction over drift

Just over 12% of Burke County’s eligible voters showed up for November’s municipal elections, leaving town halls across the county to be reshaped by a small slice of the electorate.

With 2,231 ballots cast across 18 precincts and no county, state, or federal races to drive turnout, several towns still saw meaningful change, including tight contests and leadership shifts in Glen Alpine and Valdese.

Despite the low turnout, The Paper’s 154 stories about the election in 2025 garnered significant reader interest and pushed the topic into the Top 10.

VALDESE

In Valdese, voters elected a new mayor and made changes to the town council following a year marked by leadership turnover and delayed projects.

Keith Huffman was elected mayor with 77% of the vote, defeating challenger Sandi Walker. Voters also elected newcomer Shannon Radabaugh to the Ward 1 seat and returned incumbents Melinda Zimmerman and Rexanna Lowman to the council.

Candidates running under the “Step Up for Valdese” slate campaigned on increased transparency, completing the town’s delayed projects, and improving infrastructure. The slate won every contested seat.

GLEN ALPINE

Glen Alpine voters selected three aldermen from a field of seven candidates, making it one of the most competitive races in the county.

Newcomer Chad Wykle received the most votes, followed by incumbents Jason Miller and Sheila Perkins. One of the seats was decided by a single vote.

Wykle’s campaign focused on economic development and community engagement, while Miller and Perkins emphasized transparency and managed growth. Mayor Kevin Herron ran unopposed and was elected.

MORGANTON

Municipal elections in Morganton included two uncontested city council races.

Wendy Cato was re-elected to represent District 4, and Molly McKay was elected to the District 3 seat vacated by Chris Hawkins.

Hawkins, who served two terms on the council, did not seek re-election after relocating following the destruction of his home during Hurricane Helene. At his final council meeting on Nov. 3, he received a standing ovation from city staff and community members.

DREXEL

In Drexel, Mayor Dennis Anthony was re-elected and will begin a new four-year term following a change in term length.

Voters elected newcomer David Harmon to the Board of Aldermen and returned incumbents Scott Coe and Jennifer Yount. Harmon campaigned on updating town operations and technology, while Coe emphasized economic development and Yount continued her tenure in local government.

— AVN