Pincush leads Brazelton 55-32 in Whittier write-in race after remaining ballots counted

Write-in candidate David Pincush leads fellow write-in Heather Brazelton 55 to 32 for Whittier City Council seat E after the city clerk counted the election's last 11 ballots Friday and rejected six questioned ballots. The results are unofficial until the council certifies them Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The 11 absentee in-person ballots, cast at the city office before Election Day, added 9 votes for Brazelton and 2 for Pincush. Tuesday's hand count had Pincush ahead 53 to 23, as Alaska News reported. Peter Denmark, unopposed on the ballot for seat F, picked up 3 votes for a total of 69.

The clerk said none of the six questioned-ballot voters was eligible. Whittier code requires voters to be registered in the city 30 days before the election, by Sept. 6, and the clerk checked each missing name with the Division of Elections. Each rejected voter will get a letter explaining why the ballot was not counted and how to fix the problem for next time, if possible.

A voter or candidate may contest the election. The clerk said a contest must reach the City Council by its Oct. 13 meeting.