The Republican party gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Muncie. It had the air of a family reunion. Children ran about as attendees packed their plates with food and warmly chatted with each other.
Delaware County’s Election night had a low voter turnout, with 19.56 percent of 47,741 registered voters coming out to vote, totaling 9,338 voters, according to the county clerk. Out of the 52 precincts, the unofficial summary had 46 precincts reported, with the official confirmations expected in the next two weeks. According to the unofficial election summary from the county clerk, Incumbent Republican Mayor Dan Ridenour won reelection, Belinda Munson won reelection for city clerk and there will be a Democratic majority in City Council.
Delaware County Republican Party Chairman, Ed Carroll, said he attributed Ridenour’s reelection to his background in finance. He believes that expertise has enabled him to tackle Muncie’s economic issues, which he attributed to former Mayor Dennis Tyler’s administration.
“Over the last 20 years, the [Republican] party has went from a few seats in the county and city to essentially controlling the county and city,” Carroll said. “And our goal is to follow through on what the voters are wanting.”
Munson she said she’s pleased with what the sitting government’s been able to achieve.
“I like what we’ve done,” Munson said. “Muncie had a bad history before we came into office. I just want to make sure we’re doing everything the way the code was written.”
Richard Ivy, deputy mayor, was in high spirits. He spoke glowingly of Ridenour, saying that “he understands development and the needs of the city.”
Ridenour, reelected mayor of Muncie, wasn’t able to attend the celebration for long. He said he was feeling nauseous and had vomited seven times by 1 p.m. Still, he came to the podium to accept his victory.
“I’m excited I can go another four years without calling in sick,” Ridenour said, prompting cheers from the crowd.
Robinson was “disappointed” in the results of the Munice Mayoral race, but emphasized that he was “so happy” for the democratic city council candidates.
Six of the nine seats in the City Council went to Democratic chairs on election night. Robinson views this as a win for the Democratic Party in Muncie and that it is changing Muncie’s mindset on the party.
Though Robinson lost, he said he plans “to continue serving the community,” and, if asked, to work with Ridenour to accomplish his plan.
In his “hometown,” Robinson said he has worked and will continue working for nonprofits in the Muncie community.
“Just thank you,” Robinson said. “Thank you to all those who put their faith in me and voted for me, and just just keep hanging in there.”
State Rep. Sue Errington had “mixed emotions” about the results. Like Robinson, she said she was happy for those who won chairs on the council, highlighting Nora Powell of District 2 for taking Robinson’s previous position.
“That's the thing about politics, there's always next year,” Errington said. “We came together this year, and hopefully we can stay together.”
Errington also advised Ball State students to get involved in elections, especially for next year’s presidential race.
“Tonight’s defeat does nothing for my love and my passion for this community,” Robinson said.
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