Haines local elections day are on October 1st. Three borough assembly seats are up for grabs, as well as two planning commission seats, and two school board seats.
On the assembly, Debra Schnabel is reaching the end of her three-year term, and Natalie Dawson is ending a one-year term. Ben Aultman-Moore is resigning a year early; borough officials say he has timed his resignation to coincide with the election to allow voters to decide who will replace him.
As of Thursday afternoon, only Mark H. Smith has filed for candidacy.
On the planning commission, Eben Sargent and Brian O’Reily are both reaching the end of a one year term.
As of Thursday afternoon, only former commissioner Richard Clement has filed for candidacy.
On the school board, Brian Clay and Michael Wald are reaching the end of their terms.
As of Thursday afternoon, only Brian Clay has filed to keep his seat.
The borough has contracted former clerk Alekka Fullerton to run the election: “The election was one of my favorite parts of my former job.”
At the same time, she is training the new clerk on her duties, including how to run elections.
“Making sure that all the checks and balances are in place,” says Fullerton. “Make sure that she understands all of the ballot accountability, and make sure that all questions are answered, and that we advertise positions and make sure the people know what their responsibilities are, as well as their opportunities regarding voting.”
Absentee votes can be cast by mail, fax, or email. Early voting at the borough offices will begin mid September.
“I’d like to remind the Haines community that in order to vote,” says Fullerton, “they have to vote in our October 1st election, you need to be a Haines registered voter prior to September 1st.”
Candidates have until Tuesday August 20th to file to get on the ballot.
*An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Smith’s name would appear on the ballot as Mark H. Smith, M.D. His name will appear as Mark H. Smith on the ballot.
