Vote counting complete in borough election

No races or ballot questions saw a lead change after the counts, according to the unofficial results.

In the mayoral race, incumbent Vern Halter won handily against challenger Bruce Walden.

There will be two new members of the Mat-Su Borough Assembly once the election results are certified, which is scheduled for tonight. In District 6, Assembly Member Barbara Doty was defeated by challenger Jesse Sumner. There was no incumbent in District 7, which includes the Northern Susitna Valley. In the three way race to take the seat, Tam Boeve came out ahead of Dan Dees and Walter Kloepfer.

Voters were also asked to weigh in on three ballot questions. The first, which is an advisory vote on whether the borough should look into acquiring police powers, passed with the widest margin. A road bond package totaling around twenty-four-million dollars was also approved. The third ballot question, which also passed, will move future borough elections from October to November. That means the election will occur on the same day as state and federal elections in even-numbered years going forward.

The final voter turnout for the borough election is 16.76%.