POCATELLO - There were lots of voters at the polls in Bannock County, and combined with the large number of early voters it took hours before election results were calculated.

About 90% of registered voters hit the polls Tuesday, and most of them chose to keep incumbents in office. Karl Anderson, Bannock County Commissioner-elect said, it was an exciting evening."

The votes are in, and after months of campaigning many candidates spent the day taking down signs.

But they're all eager to get to work. Steve Hadley beat challenger K.T. Andserson by only about 1,300 votes. Hadley, Bannock County Commissioner said, "As you spread out across the county you find more republican voters, and that's why as the night when on I gained a bigger advantage."

The Bannock County Commissioners will be joined by Karl Anderson who beat Democrat Karen Cordell by 2,700 votes. Anderson said, "We need to go out amongst the people, talking to them, finding out what their opinion is. If they don't attend meetings when they're asked to come, shame on them. But if we don't do our job, shame on us."

Republican Ken Andrus kept his seat in the state legislature with 56% of the vote.

Knowing that thousands of people voted against him, Andrus hopes residents will contact him if they disagree with his actions in Boise. Andrus, District 29 Representative said, "There will obviously be cutbacks and they won't be easy to make. And unless the economy looks better then than it does now there'll be more even then the Governor projected."

Bannock County residents also voted to keep Sheriff Lorin Nielsen in office.

He defeated Republican challenger Paul Romriell by 7,100 votes. Nielsen, Bannock County Sheriff said, "I feel very strongly that this is a public trust, the office of sheriff. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican doesn't make a whole lot of difference, it's how well you serve."

Voters in District 30 also decided to keep Representative Elaine Smith in office. She took 56% of the vote to defeat Chris Stevens.

And District 29's James Ruchti and Diane Bilyeu will both be heading back to Boise for the next legislative session.