By Sentinel Staff
Voter turnout in today’s elections was reportedly “moderate and picking up” in Precinct 1, and “brisk” in Precinct 2, this afternoon.
“At this point, we’re setting a record for in-person voting here for a municipal election,” said Precinct 2 Chairman Dorothy Orbison.
Sitka voters have until 8 p.m. tonight to cast ballots in the city election. Both of Sitka’s precincts, No. 1 and No. 2, vote in separate meeting rooms at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
Three candidates are running for mayor, five candidates are vying for two Assembly seats, and three candidates are competing for the two School Board positions.
Two propositions are also on the ballot.
Proposition 1 is related to the senior tax exemption that was replaced in July by a new program that offers a rebate for those who qualify on the basis of need.
It asks: “Shall Ordinance 2018-14, approved by the Assembly of the City and Borough of Sitka on April 24, 2018, which amended the Sitka General Code by deleting the senior sales tax exemption and replacing it with a senior sales tax rebate program, be repealed; thereby, reinstating the senior sales tax exemption? Yes or No.”
A “Yes” vote is in favor of reinstating the exemption.
Proposition 2 is related to the new state law prohibiting smoking in the workplace and certain other public places. The state law went into effect Monday.
It asks:
“Shall the City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska, exempt itself from the provisions of AS.18.35.301 – 18.35.350, relating to smoking in certain public places? Yes or No.”
A “Yes” vote is in favor of allowing smoking in places where it is presently allowed under city ordinance.
Results of today’s voting at the polls will be posted soon after polls close at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Absentee and ballots cast in advance of election day will be counted at 3 p.m. Friday at Centennial Hall. The official certification of the results is scheduled for Oct. 9.
Those unable to vote today may send a personal representative to the polling station and have a ballot delivered to them, or vote by fax. Audio voting is also available at Centennial Hall.
