The number of early voters for tomorrow’s municipal election is high. City Clerk Laurie Sica said it surpassed last year’s several days ago.
Elections officials had already reviewed 660 absentee and early ballots by Thursday, and more were cast over the weekend.
Sica said early and absentee voting is often considered a predictor of voter turnout, which can vary greatly in Juneau from one year to the next.
“It ranges probably between 25 percent and 45 percent. Definitely depends on the issues on the ballot, and the types of races on the ballot, like if there is a highly contested assembly or mayor race. And just the whole hype about elections nationally probably has people thinking about elections,” Sica said.
Cheryl Jebe and Merrill Sanford are running for Mayor.
Loren Jones and Paul Nowlin are competing for the Assembly District One seat, being vacated by David Stone, who has served three terms.
Jerry Nankervis and write-in candidate Dixie Hood are running for Assembly District Two seat, currently held by Ruth Danner, who decided not to seek re-election.
While Assembly candidates represent districts within the city and borough, they are elected borough-wide.
Two propositions are also on the ballot. One would extend the 1 percent temporary sales tax for five years to pay for various capital improvement projects. The other would bond for a variety of projects.
Polls are open tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. City Clerk Laurie Sica said Election Central will be in City Hall Assembly Chambers, beginning at 8 p.m. tomorrow, when the polls close. The first results will come in just a few minutes later, but will not be posted on the city website until all results are in.
She says the deadline for by-mail absentees is October 9, the same day the election will be certified.
KTOO News will bring you live results from Election Central tomorrow.
Click here to see a sample ballot and the information pamphlet.
