Mayoral Election Results

The Haines Borough 2011 mayoral contest may turn out to be one of those elections we can use to illustrate the power of one vote. At this time, it is too close to call. By the evening of October 4, the difference between candidates for mayor was slim: Scott: 577; Hill: 547, with a maximum of 40 additional votes yet to be counted.

The Assembly will "canvass" the election at 5:45 Tuesday, October 11. At that time, uncounted ballots will be examined, and if accepted, counted. These ballots include 15 Questioned Ballots, 1 Personal Representative Ballot, 16 Absentee-by-Fax Ballots, and any Absentee-by-Mail Ballots that come in by October 11. The Clerk can say with certainty that there are a maximum of 40 additional ballots because every single ballot given at the polls or mailed or faxed is carefully tracked. The Borough Election Official is able to verify that the number of ballots used (counted) or destroyed equals the number of ballots in circulation.

Many people voted early this year. Early voting is a kind of "absentee" voting since the voter is not voting in his or her precinct. But "early" votes are counted with the regular votes after the polls close on the evening of the election.

Why might a ballot be questioned? Remember how you signed the voter register when you went in? What if your name isn't on the register? The election judges will still let you vote, but you must vote a questioned ballot. The question is: are you or are you not a properly registered voter? That's the "question" that the Borough Election Official (also our Borough Clerk) will help the Assembly decide on October 11. If you are a properly registered voter (must have registered at least 30 days before the election), then your ballot will be opened and counted. One of the most common reasons for questioned ballots in Haines is voters voting out of their precincts. If you live at Mosquito Lake but it was more convenient for you to vote in town (or visa versa), your ballot would have been "questioned" because your name would not have been on the precinct voting list - but in the end, your ballot will be counted - provided of course, that you are properly registered!

I am always impressed by the precision of the Borough Clerk and her election judges. Procedures are followed to a "t." Every safeguard is practiced. Conducting an election is a weighty responsibility. This year it was once again carried on the able shoulders of the Borough Clerk and the chairs, judges, and clerks at our two Borough precincts. Hats off to Julie Cozzi and her 2011 team: Jeannette Heinrich, Leslee Downer, Barbara Maynard, Donna Catotti, Nancy Wenner, Frankie Perry, Marlys Johnson, John Hunt, and Holly Thomas. Thanks so much.