Retired educator John Shelton has been elected to the Corcoran Ward vacancy on Wattle Range Council created by the resignation of Moira Neagle last November.

Mr Shelton captured almost two-thirds of the primary vote which equated to 911 first preference votes.

As a result, preferences did not need to be distributed.

The results of the postal ballot were announced in Adelaide this afternoon by the Electoral Commission of South Australia.

There were 1552 votes cast which represents about 36% of the 4331 eligible voters.

Once the formalities have been completed, the incoming councillor will be able to attend budget workshops and special council meetings about the Millicent swimming lake and Millicent council office which are anticipated for the coming weeks.

Many residents would know Mr Shelton as the principal of Millicent High School from 2005 to 2021 before retiring in Millicent.

He moved to Millicent from Streaky Bay in 1991 winning a coordinator’s role at Kangaroo Inn Area School, then as assistant principal at Millicent High in 1999.

His community interests have included Apex, Lions, Millicent Work Options Centre, Millicent Community Club, Millicent Gymnastics Club and Millicent Pony Club.

Ms Neagle was also a retired educator while Wattle Range Council also has Crs Dale Price and John Drew who are retired educators.

The first preference votes of the other candidates were Penelope Henley (293 votes), Joel McClure (174) and Shaun Taliana (112).