November 6, 2012 was Election Day in Bamberg County and across the nation. In Bamberg County the turnout was heavy with 6,968 of 9,632 registered voters or (72.3 percent) casting ballots. In casting their ballots, Bamberg County voters gave their approval to a One Cents Sales Tax Referendum that will make needed repairs to the Bamberg County Courthouse and fund several other projects around the County.

The Referendum passed by a vote of 3,884 in favor or (61.5 percent) to 2,423 against or (38.4 percent). In the race for President and Vice President of the United States: Barack Obama and Joe Biden claimed 4,624 votes to 2,194 for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan. In the hotly contested race for Probate Judge of Bamberg County, the official election results show that Democrat Sarah Guess Noel defeated Petition Candidate Donna Blume Brown by a count of 4,012 for Sarah Guess Noel to 2,660 votes for Donna Blume Brown.

“I’ am honored and humbled by the citizens of Bamberg County for voting to put their trust in me as Probate Judge, my heartfelt thanks goes out to each and everyone,” Guess Noel said, adding “ I very much appreciate the efforts of Donna Blume Brown in running an exciting campaign.”

In the race for the U.S. House of Representatives District 6, James Clyburn defeated Nammu Muhammad by a account of 5,554 to 375. State Senate District 39 incumbent John Matthews who was unopposed claimed 323 votes and State Senator Brad Hutto also unopposed garnered 5,525 votes.

House District 90 incumbent Bakari Sellers defeated Dan Lawrence by a count of 4,931 votes to 1,774. In the District 2 Solicitors race Strom Thurmond received 3,053 votes. Bamberg County Sheriff Ed. Darnell was reelected with 6,498 votes. Clerk of Court James “Pedie” Hiers was re-elected with 6,395 votes. Incumbent Coroner Willard “Billy” Duncan garnered 6,397 to earn re-election.

In Bamberg County Council races: In District 1 Trent Kinard received 904 votes. In District 4 Joe Guess Jr. received 778 votes; In District 5 the Rev. Isaiah Odom received 855 votes and in District 7 Clint Carter received 914 votes. Soil and Water District Commissioner Johney Haralson received 3,167 votes. In the vote for Willow Swamp Water Shed Conservation District 36 Bryan Crosby (unopposed) received 2 votes. Voters in Bamberg County also gave their approval to a Constitutional Amendment electing the Governor and Lt. Governor at the same time.