Residents headed for the polls on Tuesday to vote for town officials, members of the County Legislature, local judges and a county assessor.

In one of the most highly publicized races of the year, Kate Murray, appointed Town of Hempstead supervisor earlier this year when Rich Guardino stepped down, bested challenger Dorothy Goosby, currently a Hempstead Town councilwoman, to maintain her post as chief executive officer. Murray, a Republican, garnered 69,552 votes while Goosby, a Democrat, received 43,457.

Residents also returned Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Angie Cullin, Republican incumbent, to her seat on the Hempstead Town Council's 5th District. Cullin was challenged this year by Democrat Jeff Gold, who received 9,315 votes while Cullin garnered 13,374.

Hempstead Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, who was appointed to the position earlier this year, was elected to his first full term. Bonilla was challenged by Democrat Kevin Gorman. Bonilla received 59,395 votes to Gorman's 49,472.

Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin held onto his seat, receiving 64,649 votes. His challenger, Democrat Gerald Lamonica, received 45,472.

In the Nassau County Legislature, Democrats held on to their 10-9 majority. Republican incumbent Peter Schmitt, 12th District legislator and Minority Leader, defeated Democratic challenger John Rennhack. Schmitt received 9,241 votes to Rennhack's 3,754.

Norma Gonsalves was returned to her seat in the 13th Legislative District. Gonsalves, the Republican incumbent, received 7,613 votes while her challenger, Democrat Hope Schwartz Zimmerman, received 5,075.

Residents who live in the 14th District elected a new legislator, as incumbent Salvatore B. Pontillo did not seek re-election. Democrat Dave Mejias defeated Republican Greg Carman in a very tight race, receiving 6,106 votes to Carman's 5,725.

Residents in the 15th District returned Republican incumbent Dennis Dunne Sr., who was challenged by Democrat John Clark. Dunne received 7,749 votes to Clark's 3,614.

In the 17th Legislative District, Republican incumbent Ed Mangano defeated Democratic challenger Linda Burns-Gleason 8,348 votes to her 3,789.

Also in a very tight race this year were the two candidates for county assessor, Republican incumbent Charles O'Shea and Democrat Harvey Levinson. Levinson ultimately defeated O'Shea, receiving 107,338 votes while O'Shea received 106,102.