Huntsville City Councilman John Meredith will continue to represent the residents of Huntsville’s 5th District, while 1st District Councilman Devyn Keith will face challenger Michelle Watkins in a runoff following Tuesday’s municipal election.
In two races for the school board seat, Carlos Matthews was re-elected in the 5th District, while Chaundra Jones and Pat King will face off in a runoff next month for the 1st District seat.
Voter turnout was, as expected, low; only 7.2% of the 77,028 registered voters in the two districts cast their ballots.
When 100% of all votes were counted, Meredith was, according to unofficial results, well ahead of businesswoman Kim Caudle Lewis with 62.53% (1,310 votes), with 37.47% (785 votes).
In the race for the District 1 council seat, Watkins, a former school board member, received 49.51% of the vote (1,963 votes) ahead of Keith, who received 40.83% (1,619 votes). Reggie McKenzie came in third with 9.66% (383 votes).
RELATED TOPIC: Huntsville City Councilman Pleads Guilty to Shoplifting
In a Facebook post, Keith said: “I am proud of the campaign we have run so far, but I know there is more work ahead.
“I am the only candidate with a detailed plan for the next four years. We will continue to spread our message about the incredible growth and prosperity we have achieved together in the First District.”
Matthews, the incumbent in School District 5, received 59.6% (1,136 votes) of the vote, compared to 40.4% (770 votes) for Zara Broadenax.
Jones (39.12%; 1,506 votes) and King (34.86%; 1,342 votes) were the survivors in a four-candidate race for the District 1 school board seat. Claudia Harris (13.3%; 512 votes) finished third and former District 5 Councilman Will Culver finished fourth (12.73%; 490 votes).
The City Council will count the results at noon on September 3. If a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the office, the Council will issue a certificate of election. If no candidate receives a majority, the Council will order a runoff election, which will be held on September 24.
The last day to register for the runoff election is September 9. Last day for the City Council to appoint election officials.
September 17 is the last day a voter can request a regular mail-in ballot, and September 23 is the last day a voter can request an emergency mail-in ballot.
The newly elected municipal officials will take office on November 4.
This story originally appeared in 256 Today.
Don’t miss it! Subscribe today to get Alabama’s top headlines delivered to your inbox.
