Election Day: Voters OK casino in Terre Haute; Mayor race is close

Although a large billboard asks Vigo Co. voters to oppose the referendum, the casino gets a go ahead on Election Day on S. US 41/ Lucy Perry photo

Vote center last month at Honey Creek Mall in Terre Haute/ Lucy Perry photo

Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett/ ICN file photo

 UPDATE 9 p.m. Republican Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett is declared the winner in a close contest against his opponent, Independent Pat Goodwin, tonight. He wins by 216 votes. This is his fourth term in office as mayor of Terre Haute.

See more on the election at ​https://www.vigocounty.in.gov/department/division.php?structureid=54
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By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News
Original Story 7:30 p.m.

Unofficial election results are posted and more than 12,000 voters have agreed to the proposed casino to operate in Terre Haute, with all precincts reported.

More than 10,000 voters also agreed to a property tax increase to support the Vigo Co. School Corp. in a second referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot. According to election records, 19,450 people cast votes this election, or about 27.5 percent of registered voters.

Incumbent Republican Mayor Duke Bennett leads by a narrow margin against another front runner in the race, Independent opponent Pat Goodwin.

Incumbent City Council seats were won by Dems. George Azar(at-large,) O. Earl Elliot (Dist.2) and Curtis DeBaun (at-large.) D-Tammy Boland takes an at-large seat on the council and D-Cherly Loundermilk wins a seat for District 3. Unchallenged incumbent Democrats Amy Auler (Dist.1,) Todd Nation (Dist.4,) Neil Garrison (Dist.5) and Martha Crossen (Dist.6) will remain on the council.

Appointed City Court Judge D- Matthew Sheehan and D-City Clerk Michelle Edwards also ran unopposed in the election.

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