Fifty-nine percent, or 70,424 voters, cast their ballots in advance and on Tuesday in the general election, which surpassed county Elections Supervisor Janet Munda's predictions of a 50-percent turnout.
"I'm very excited," she said of the totals, adding there were no problems at the county's 43 precincts. "Everything went well."
Cherokee voters overwhelmingly supported Republican candidates in local and statewide races.
U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal swept the county over Democrat Roy Barnes in the race for governor with 76 percent, or 49,664 votes, compared to Barnes' 18 percent, or 12,039 votes. Libertarian John Monds received 5 percent, or 3,629 votes.
Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-east Cobb) also was successful in Cherokee in his bid for re-election, receiving 81 percent, or 53,210 votes. Democratic challenger Michael Thurmond. Thurmond garnered 15 percent, or 9,578 votes, while Libertarian candidate Chuck Donovan received 4 percent, or 2,538 votes.
The county government's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax renewal passed, but with a slimmer margin. Voters approved extending the current penny tax with 52 percent, or 32,521 ballots in favor, and 48 percent, or 29,966 votes against the measure.
The vote extends the tax for six years beginning in July 2012, which is expected to generate $185 million.
The renewal would allow Cherokee County and its cities to fund major projects like the jail expansion and road upgrades as well as maintain infrastructure add new services.
County Board of Commissioners Chairman Buzz Ahrens said he expected "the vote to be close," but positive.
"I'm encouraged it was on the plus side," he said. "The projects we presented are needed and justifiable."
County voters also leaned Republican in the lieutenant governor's race. Incumbent Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle defeated Democratic challenger Carol Porter with 78 percent, or 51,060 votes. Ms. Porter won 17 percent, or 11,108 votes, while.. Libertarian Dan Barber received 5 percent, or 3,247 votes.
Republican Sam Olens was successful in Cherokee in his bid to defeat Democratic candidate Ken Hodges for attorney general. Olens, the former Cobb County Commission chairman, received 77 percent, or 50,173 votes, while Hodges took 18 percent, or 11,450 votes. Libertarian candidate Don Smart garnered 5 percent, or 3,355 votes.
Republican incumbent Secretary of State Brian Kemp defeated Democratic challenger Georganna Sinkfield in Cherokee with 79 percent, or 51,013 votes, with Ms. Sinkfield netting 15 percent, or 9,781 votes.
For the state school superintendent race, Republican John D. Barge won Cherokee with 76 percent, or 49,026 votes. He defeated Democratic challenger Joe Martin, who received 17 percent, or 10,816 votes in Cherokee. Libertarian Kira Willis received 7 percent, or 4,797 votes.
Voters who participated in the election said they were driven to the polls by the current state of the political system.
Woodstock resident Gary Tumbling said he voted because he wanted to see some "changes in the Senate."
Tumbling added he was concerned about the state of health care and the economic downturn.
"I believe it's important to get those things back in line," he said.
In her first time voting, Allison Griffin of Holly Springs said she was excited to be part of the electoral process.
"It's important to vote as an American," said Ms. Griffin, 18, adding she long has wanted to participate.
Describing himself as a staunch Republican, Richard Nash of Canton said he's concerned about the unemployment rate and government spending.
He said he's eager for his political party to take back the U.S. House of Representatives.
"I don't like the direction the country is going in," he said.
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