A Sticker Campaign Shakes Up a Quiet Richland Election
Only about half the registered voters showed up, but a last-minute sticker candidate defeated the nominated man—and rumors swirled about the mayor’s qualifications.
At the city election Tuesday but little interest was evidenced, only about half of the registered voters turning out to take part in the balloting. A sticker was used on one candidate, J. M. Serr, who was nominated to fill a vacancy for the one-year term. Elmer Hinkle was run on a sticker in opposition to Mr. Serr and defeated him by ten votes. There is a persistent rumor afloat that Mr. Bier will not qualify as mayor.
“A sticker was used on one candidate, J. M. Serr, who was nominated to fill a vacancy for the one-year term. Elmer Hinkle was run on a sticker in opposition to Mr. Serr and defeated him by ten votes.”
Low-turnout municipal elections and last-minute sticker campaigns are still part of small-town civic life. The 1916 item also hints at the fragility of local government: winning a vote was one thing, qualifying for office another.
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