Perry County ballot has Bennett's name as Democratic nominee for District 1 Commission

Perry County voters going to the polls on Nov. 3 will see Donald Bennett Sr. as the Democratic option for the District 1 County Commission seat – not longtime incumbent Albert Turner Jr.

Ballots for the Perry County general election were printed this week, and it lists Bennett as the candidate.

Bennett was declared the winner by Perry County Probate Judge Carlton Hogue when he was tasked with breaking a tie that was determined in a July recount of the very close May 19 primary race.

But in a twist that happened after the tie-breaking decision, the Alabama Democratic Party on Aug. 21 determined that a disputed ballot was intended to be cast for Turner, which gave the incumbent the win.

Despite the state party decision for Turner, Hogue submitted Bennett as the winner. Hogue has not returned multiple calls by the Black Belt News Network for comment.

Turner told BBNN that he plans to take legal action to stop distribution of the ballots with Bennett’s name and get a reprint that will include his name in the Democratic slot.

“We are the legitimate Democratic Party nominee, and we will continue to pursue legal action,” Turner said. “The certification that Hogue turned in did not have the correct signatures on it, nor did it follow the order of the Democratic Party.”

Bennett told voters to go to the polls because there will likely be a write-in candidate.

“In light of recent developments, I remain the certified Democratic nominee for Perry County Commissioner, District 1,” Bennett said in a statement. “This race is not over, and there is still much work to be done. I anticipate a possible write-in challenger, and I encourage every voter in District 1 to stay engaged.”