Tuesday, May 14, was primary election day in Nebraska and the first time the state has required a photo ID in order to cast a ballot. With turnout for a primary election, especially one without many contested races or controversial issues, traditionally being on the low side, it is difficult to know if the requirement made any difference in the number of people going to the polls.

One interesting race in Custer County was for the seat of District 4 on the County Board of Supervisors. Four Republican candidates were vying for that position, and the incumbent was not one of them. James Markham, a long-time member of the Merna Village Board, garnered the most votes in the race over his opponents Ray Hunt, Jan Dobesh, and Mo Hunsberger.

In the race for District 2 County Supervisor, Tammy Kleeb will retain her seat after defeating Corey Clay on the Republican ticket. There were no Democratic candidates for either seat.

According to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office, voter turnout statewide was 27.05%. Custer County was slightly higher than the state average in terms of the number of voters, with 29.02% of registered voters casting a ballot in the primary. Things will heat up in the coming months as we head toward the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.