The wet-dry issue in Carrier Mills came down to one vote -- again.

Carrier Mills residents voted 252-251 to keep the status quo and prohibit retail sale of alcohol.

In 2005 the vote was 266-265.

Saline County Clerk Willie McClusky cautioned the referendum vote could change, although that is unlikely. The law requires McClusky's office to accept an absentee ballot up to 14 days after the election, provided the ballot was postmarked before the election.

"You know, if any absentees come in the mail we have to count votes 14 days after the election," McClusky said.

Mayor Louis Shaw, who was unopposed inn his bid for a second term, maintained the Village Board's official stance of neutrality.

"The people have spoken; we respect the people's judgment," Shaw said.

Carrier Mills has been dry since the 1940s. Feelings ran high in the village about the issue, evidenced by yard signs saying, "Vote no," and "Vote yes," and high attendance at a pre-election town hall meeting.

Daily Register