Preliminary results in for Tuesday's election

The last ballots were cast and polls closed Tuesday evening on the 2017 municipal elections.

Turnout was low in a relatively low-key election, with no ballot measures to consider and candidates running for six of the eight available seats uncontested. No letters of interest were put forward to be considered as a write-in candidate, and one unexpired term on the Wrangell Medical Center Board garnered no interest.

The only race in contest was for an unexpired two-year term on the Public School Board. Incumbent member Robert Rang was running for reelection to the post, having previously been appointed to a vacant seat. Residents David Wilson and Caitlin Cardinell also showed interest in the seat. After Tuesday's 239 ballots were counted, Wilson and Rang stood within one ballot of each other, with Cardinell 20 votes behind Rang.

The race remains too close to call, with a further 29 absentee ballots to be counted by the canvass board later today. An additional two questioned ballots will also need to be evaluated. The board meets inside City Hall at 12:30 p.m., with their results to be certified by the Borough Assembly on Monday at the same place and time.

The city clerk will begin advertising for the vacant hospital board seat. Those interested in an appointment should contact the office at 874-2381.

Results of Tuesday's voting

(* indicates preliminary winner)

Assembly, two three-year terms

* Stephen Prysunka 195

* Rolland C. Howell 178

Write-in 1

Port Commission,

one three-year term

* Mark Mitchell 204

Write-in 6

School Board, one three-year term

* Jessica Rooney 219

Write-in 5

School Board, one unexpired

two-year term (too close to call)

David Wilson 83

Robert Rang 82

Caitlin Cardinell 63

Write-in 1

Hospital Board,

two four-year terms

* Rebecca Christensen 187

* Jennifer Bates 182

Write-in 2

Hospital Board,

unexpired two-year term

Write-in 23