(Graphic by Jeremy Hsieh/KTOO)
Absentee and questioned ballots counted on Friday boosted voter turnout in Juneau’s municipal election to just over 29 percent.
That’s 10 points higher than last year’s historically low voter participation, when just 4,591 voters cast ballots. This year, the number of ballots cast was more than 7,100 – a 55 percent increase.
The Juneau Assembly has a goal of improving voter turnout. On election night, Mayor Merrill Sanford said while the higher numbers are a step in the right direction, he thinks there’s room for improvement.
“Maybe we need to really seriously look at mail out ballots and everything and do that type of a system,” Sanford said. “I’m open to trying it, and seeing if that will help the turnout rate.”
The absentee and questioned ballots did not change the outcome of any races.
Maria Gladziszewski, Debbie White and Jesse Kiehl won Assembly seats. Brian Holst and Sean O’Brien won seats on the school board.
Voters also approved a proposition that allows the Juneau Assembly to delegate management of city swimming pools to an empowered board. The Assembly will consider the proposal after hearing about alternative management plans from the city manager and Parks and Recreation department.
There’s still time for more absentee ballots to come in by mail. The Canvass Board will meet Tuesday to certify the results.
