Official results from the Oct. 1 election, certified and released by the City of Homer’s Canvass Board on Friday, Oct. 4, show that current city council member Rachel Lord has won the mayoral race, defeating opponent Jim Anderson by 169 votes.
After counting and verifying absentee and questioned ballots, the board certified that Lord received 949 total votes, or 55%. Anderson received 780 total votes, or 44%.
Unofficial results previously showed a 51-vote gap between Lord and Anderson.
According to the election certificate, the City of Homer had 5,429 registered voters as of Sept. 7. Of the 1,793 voters who participated in the Oct. 1 election, 1,218 voted in person at their precinct on election day; 556 voted by absentee in person, mail or electronic transmission; 12 voted by special needs ballot; and seven voted by question ballot. The voter turnout percentage was 33%.
Lord did not respond to request for comment as of press time on Tuesday. However, on Facebook on Tuesday Lord wrote that she is “honored” to be the next City of Homer mayor. She thanked Anderson for running and for bringing “so much positive energy” to the race.
“My top goal as mayor is to help translate city government and help everyone in the city and surrounding areas feel more comfortable walking into city Hall and participating with the council and your government,” she wrote. “Don’t ever hesitate to reach out with your ideas, questions, or feedback.
“We live in an incredible community with a vibrant history and exciting future, and I look forward to working for and with you all!”
Anderson wrote in a text message on Tuesday that he is grateful for the support and encouragement he received from the community.
“I am proud of the race I ran and will still continue to be involved in Homer’s future and success wherever I can,” he wrote. “We need more energy and engagement than ever before as we continue to grow and face challenges that come with growth.”
Incumbent council members Donna Aderhold and Shelly Erickson also retain their seats on the city council.
Lord, Aderhold and Erickson will be sworn in during the next regular city council meeting on Monday, Oct. 14, according to the city clerk.
Find the official City of Homer election results at www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/cityclerk/2024-election-results. A signed copy of the certificate will be attached to the resolution confirming the election results that will be presented at the Oct. 14 council meeting.
