Several local election contests in Polk County remain closely contested as officials work toward final certification of the November 3 general election.
In West Salem’s City Council Ward 8 race, incumbent Micki Varney was leading challenger Chris Cummings by 392 votes in the November 9 unofficial count.
Other close races include the Independence mayoral contest, an Independence City Council position and the Monmouth mayor’s race.
The Polk County Fairgrounds local option tax was also leading, while voters were rejecting Monmouth’s proposed urban growth boundary measure.
County officials have scheduled their next results update for November 18. Voters who received ballot signature challenge notices have until November 24 to resolve those issues.
Final election results must be certified by November 30.
