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Provisional ballots were still yet to be counted in Southampton County as of Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12, but races with opposing candidates had notable leaders.

All results cited in this story are from the Virginia Department of Elections website as of Tuesday afternoon and were still considered unofficial.

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

In the race for an at-large seat on the Southampton County School Board, Natalie Dever King received 5,268 votes (62.13% of the overall vote), Sitrina B. Pope received 3,095 votes (36.50%), and there were 116 write-in votes (1.37%).

In a statement that King shared on Facebook on Wednesday, Nov. 6, King stated, “I am honored to announce that with your support, I have been elected (unofficially) to serve on the Southampton School Board (at-large seat). This journey has been an incredible experience, and I am deeply grateful to each of you who believed in our mission to make Southampton County Public Schools a school system we all can be proud of.

“I couldn’t have done this without the unwavering support of my family and friends,” she continued. “My heartfelt thanks go to my husband, Chris, and our two children, Kaylee and Cameron, who have been by my side throughout this journey. I also want to express my gratitude to Karen McCormick, Mandy Hall, Catherine Koehn, Kelly Donnell and Tommy Potter — your support and encouragement have been invaluable.

“With over 26 years in education, my commitment to the success of every student and teacher in our district is unwavering,” she said. “Together, we will work to foster an inclusive, supportive and innovative environment where all students can thrive. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility — I am excited to get to work and make a meaningful impact for our community. Let’s move forward, united, for the future of Southampton County Public Schools.”

NEWSOMS MAYOR

In the town of Newsoms, challenger Stephanie Y. Ellsworth-Cofield received 97 votes (59.15%), incumbent Vanless D. “VD” Worrell received 64 votes (39.02%), and there were three write-in votes (1.83%).

Southampton County Registrar Lynn Burgess said Nov. 12 that she could not speak with certainty given the outstanding provisional ballots, but she did not believe it was likely that Ellsworth-Cofield’s lead would be eclipsed by the votes yet to be counted.

Following receipt of this information, Ellsworth-Cofield shared the following statement.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all who voted for me, placed their trust in my leadership ability and offered their unwavering support throughout this election season,” she said. “Mr. Worrell truly excelled in his role as mayor, and his services are greatly appreciated. 

“My goal is to enhance our town’s revenue, expand resources and increase community engagement,” she said. “I am excited to collaborate with the residents of Newsoms and proudly serve the town I hold dear to my heart.”

BOYKINS TOWN COUNCIL

The only other race in Southampton County that had opposing candidates was the Boykins Town Council race, which featured seven candidates and five available seats.

Following were the vote tallies as of Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12:

• Linda Edwards Beatty — 190 votes (19.94%);
• F.W. “Freddy” Felts — 154 votes (16.16%);
• Robert Chet Poland — 148 votes (15.53%); 
• Janice B. Boone — 145 votes (15.22%); 
• Dee Modlin Clary — 132 votes (13.85%); 
• Laura A. Parr — 119 votes (12.49%)
• Nickolas B. Zinn — 61 votes (6.40%); and
• Write-In — 4 votes (0.42%).

BOYKINS MAYOR

Cletis W. Lassiter ran unopposed and received 252 votes (97.30%). There were seven write-in votes (2.70%).

CAPRON MAYOR

W. Nick Kitchen IV ran unopposed and received 84 votes (96.55%). There were three write-in votes (3.45%).

COURTLAND MAYOR

Danny R. Williams ran unopposed and received 488 votes (96.06%). There were 20 write-in votes (3.94%).

IVOR MAYOR

Tara B. Kea ran unopposed and received 175 votes (96.15%). There were seven write-in votes (3.85%).

CAPRON TOWN COUNCIL

Voters were instructed to vote for not more than six candidates.

Following were the tallies as of Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12:

• Phillip C. McGee — 63 votes (21.50%);
• Allene S. Edwards — 58 votes (19.80%);
• Ronald E. Carr Jr. — 57 votes (19.45%);
• Reginald T. Vaughan Sr. — 55 votes (18.77%);
• Timothy M. Futrell — 50 votes (17.06%); and
• Write-In — 10 votes (3.41%).

COURTLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WARD A

Voters were instructed to vote for not more than two candidates.

• Shameka M. Key — 90 votes (63.83%); and
• Perry A. Goodwyn — 51 votes (36.17%).

WARD B

Voters were instructed to vote for not more than two candidates.

• Jason C. Fowler — 157 votes (64.88%);
• Michael J. Vaughan — 79 votes (32.64%); and
• Write-In — 6 votes (2.48%).

WARD C

Voters were instructed to vote for not more than two candidates.

• Lou Anne Jones Davis — 177 votes (89.85%); and
• Write-In — 20 votes (10.15%).

IVOR TOWN COUNCIL

Voters were instructed to vote for not more than four candidates.

• Megan B. Demsko — 132 votes (25.93%); 
• Clifton Merrell Carr Jr. — 127 votes (24.95%); 
• Roland N. Britt — 124 votes (24.36%); 
• B. Frank Cook — 120 votes (23.58%); and
• Write-In — 6 votes (1.18%).

NEWSOMS TOWN COUNCIL

Voters were instructed to vote for not more than six candidates.

• Raymond Neil Drake — 122 votes (19.33%); 
• Pete T. Twisdale II — 111 votes (17.59%); 
• John Barham Carter — 105 votes (16.64%); 
• Damian P. Dwyer — 101 votes (16.01%); 
• Carol D. Majors — 96 votes (15.21%); 
• Diane L. Dovell — 88 votes (13.95%); and
• Write-In — 8 votes (1.27%).