While St. George’s leaders celebrated election wins, the failure of a proposed home rule charter means the city will temporarily operate under state law as officials plan their next steps toward a more efficient government.

Some East Baton Rouge Parish residents voted on two key propositions in the March 29 election: the Home Rule Charter for the City of St. George and the Wedgewood Crime Prevention and Improvement District.

In early voting numbers, released soon after polls closed at 8 p.m. Saturday, Interim Mayor Dustin Yates was soundly beating his only opponent, Jim Morgan. Yates received 63 percent of the early vote. Yates was appointed to the interim position last year by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Both candidates are Republicans.