Socialist Alternative challenger Kshama Swant captured 56.3 percent of today’s 3,548 ballot batch, to take a commanding 1,640-vote, 50.3 percent to 49.4 percent lead over 16-year incumbent Seattle City Council member Richard Conlin. Conlin is planning to make a statement at 5 p.m. in which he is expected to concede.
In other races, SeaTac Prop 1—the $15 minimum wage initiative—gave up a few votes to the no side in a tiny 88-ballot batch. Prop 1 now leads by 49 votes out 5,709 ballots cast, 50.43 percent to 49.57 percent. Prop 1 led by a slightly more comfortable 53 votes after yesterday’s drop.
The dregs of the ballot batches are unpredictable, but with only about 220 ballots left to count, the odds are likely that Prop 1 will prevail. There is no automatic recount in city ballot measures, but expect Alaska Airlines and friends to pay for one.
As for Seattle Prop 1—public campaign financing—close, but no cigar.
UPDATE: Conlin has conceded; Dom will post from City Hall. So it’s official: Seattle has elected a Socialist to city council in a citywide, at-large election.