St. Mary charter amendment fails; Gibson, Bowser elected in Baldwin

The St. Mary Parish charter amendment that would have opened Parish Council leadership posts to any member was defeated Saturday night, according to complete but unofficial returns from the Secretary of State's Office

Three state constitutional amendments were on their way to passage an hour after the polls closed.

And in Baldwin, Anthony "Gip" Gibson was elected police chief, and Carolyn Bowser eked out a victory in a Board of Aldermen race by three votes.

St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Amendment (opening leadership to any council member)
45 of 45 precincts
1,636 YES 39%
2,512 NO 61%
Total: 4,148
Unofficial Turnout: 12.9%

Baldwin police chief
3 of 3 precincts
204 Ronnie Fuselier (DEM) 41%
289 Anthony "Gip" Gibson (DEM) 59%
Total: 493
Unofficial Turnout: 33.5%

Baldwin alderman
3 of 3 precincts
243 Carolyn Bowser (DEM) 50%
240 Marion J. Newton (DEM) 50%
Total: 483
Unofficial Turnout: 32.9%

Amendment 1 (requires U.S. citizenship for voting)
64 of 64 parishes
3055 of 3937 precincts
259,725 YES 75%
87,034 NO 25%
Total: 346,759

Amendment 2 (Requires Senate confirmation of gubernatorially appointed members of the State Civil Service Commission)
3055 of 3937 precincts
244,118 YES 71%
99,244 NO 29%
Total: 343,362

Amendment 3 (Requires Senate confirmation of certain members of the State Police Commission)
3055 of 3937 precincts
247,433 YES 72%
95,667 NO 28%
Total: 343,100