About 9,200 votes had been counted in Montezuma County by 10 p.m. Tuesday. Officials estimated less than 500 outstanding ballots remained.
According to the partial election results, Republican Steve Nowlin will become the next Montezuma County sheriff, defeating write-in candidate Mike Steele 5,900 to 1,890.
"These are preliminary results, but it's safe to say that Steve Nowlin will be the next sheriff," said Montezuma County Clerk and Recorder Carol Tullis.
When the results were announced at a republican election gathering at the Elks Club Tuesday, a group of about 40 people cheered for Nowlin.
"I appreciate everyone's support. This is a win for everyone in the county and I will do my best to serve everyone," Nowlin said, amid hugs from supporters.
Questioned about certifying write-in votes, Tullis said both the name had to be written and the oval darkened. She added if election commissioners could distinguish a misspelled name was cast for an official write-in candidate, then the vote was counted.
"We've had some people write-in Barney Fife and Andy Taylor for sheriff," said Tullis. "Those obviously weren't counted."
A request from the Steele campaign to affix labels on the ballot was denied, said Tullis.
According to a department spokesperson, Jan. 12th will be outgoing Sheriff Dennis Spruell's last day on the job. Nowlin is expected to be sworn in on Jan. 13.
Partial results also indicate that Republican James Lambert will take over outgoing Montezuma County Commissioner Steve Chappel's post. He received 5,163 votes compared to independent candidate William "Bill" Utrup, who received 3,174.
In the remaining contested race, partial results indicate that Kim Percell will take over Tullis's post as clerk. She received 5,877 votes. Her independent challenger, Judy Marquez, received 2,689 votes.
Tullis said a continuous stream of voters turned out at the clerk's office on Monday and Tuesday to cast ballots. She said most of the last minute voters either never received a ballot due to a change of address or they lost the one that was sent in the mail. Colorado shifted to a mail-in only election system this year.
At 6:15 p.m. on Election Day, about a dozen citizens were waiting in line to cast their vote at the clerk's office. The line continued until the polls closed at 7 p.m.
Voters seeking a ballot on Election Day at the clerk's office were required to complete a replacement form and pledge they had resideded at their current residence for the last 22 days. They also had to show state-issued identification.
"It was pretty easy," said P.A. Jackson, one of the last citizens to apply for a replacement ballot on Tuesday evening.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com