Squeaker in Varnell: referendum on Sunday alcohol sales passes by one vote

Published 9:04 pm Friday, July 18, 2008

After all the votes were tallied, Varnell voters approved the Sunday sale of alcohol by the drink by just one vote: 105 (50.24 percent) to 104 (49.76 percent), according to information provided by the Whitfield County Board of Elections and Registrars.

Elections officials said eight Varnell voters had to use provisional ballots to vote in the city election because their names did not show up on city voting rolls but the tax assessor’s office confirmed their residences were in Varnell city limits.

Provisional ballots were counted Friday.

The final vote on a measure to allow the sale of distilled spirits by the drink was approved by voters 116 (55.7 percent) to 92 (44.23 percent).

The city has allowed the sale of beer and wine by the drink since January.

“We’re elated that it passed because we will enjoy economic growth in Varnell,” said Varnell Mayor Pro Tem David Owens. “And it shows that citizens in the area are ready for some change.”

Owens said city officials have worked with the registrar’s office to make sure people who had to use provisional ballots this time are included on the city’s voter rolls in the future.