And the polls…are…open!
Elections for the Cities of Kenai and Soldotna, as well as the Kenai Peninsula Borough are today. Contested races include the Kenai City Council, which has four candidates vying for 2 open seats, the Soldotna City Council which has one contested seat, the KPBSD Board of Education featuring 3 contested races, and the Borough Assembly, which has contested races for three of its four open seats.
Visit KSRM’s Election Hub to learn about all the candidates in this year’s races, as well as listen to the thoughts and opinions they shared during KSRM’s candidate forum series.
You can also use the Election Hub to find your nearest polling location.
In the City of Kenai, incumbents Henry Knackstedt and Teea Winger are attempting to retain their seats on the city council against challengers Glenese Pettey and Phillip Daniel. All four candidates are eligible for either of the 2 seats up for election.
In the City of Soldotna, sitting mayor Paul Whitney is running unopposed, as is council member Chera Whackler. Incumbent Dan Nelson, who holds council seat B, seeks to defend his position against challenger Garrett Dominick.
As for the Borough, there are multiple contested races for open seats on the Borough Assembly and Board of Education.
In Assembly District 2, Councilmember Richard Derkevorkian will not be seeking reelection; Ryan Tunseth will run for the seat, uncontested. In District 3, incumbent Peter Ribbens will run for reelection in a contested race against challenger Adam Bertoldo. In District 5, incumbent Bill Elam will seek reelection against Nissa Savage. And in District 8 Councilmember Lane Chesley will not be seeking reelection; the seat will be contested by Kelly Cooper and Heath Smith. Assembly seats 2, 5, and 8 are for three-year terms; seat 3 is for a two-year term.
There are four Board of Education seats up for election, Districts 3 (Nikiski), 4 (Soldotna), 5 (Sterling), and 7 (Central Peninsula). In District 3, incumbent Jason Tuariainen will seek reelection against Lyndsey Bertoldo. In District 4, Penny Vadla will run unopposed for reelection. In District 5, incumbent Beverley Romanin will seek reelection against Kelley Cizek. And, in District 7, sitting Board President, Debbie V. Cary will seek reelection against Diane MacRae. Mayor Peter Micciche is running unopposed in his bid for reelection as Borough Mayor.
Polls close tonight at 8 p.m..