 From 1884 until 1988, voters selected the Republican Party nominee all but three times–in 1912, 1936 and 1964.However, since 1992 the county has voted Democratic in national elections (through 2016).The county government operates the jail, provides law enforcement in unincorporated areas, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services.