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St. Paul Mayoral Race: Carter adn Her in Extremely Close Contest
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St. Paul, MN – The race for mayor of St. Paul remains exceptionally close, with preliminary results indicating a narrow lead for incumbent Melvin Carter over challenger Kaohly Her.The outcome hinges on a difference of just over 1,600 first-choice votes, setting the stage for potential recounts and continued scrutiny.
Current vote Totals
as of the latest count, Carter has secured 40.83% of the total votes, translating to a lead of approximately 1,600 votes. Her follows closely behind with 38.43% of the vote share. The remaining votes are distributed among three other candidates.
| Candidate | Percentage | Approx. Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Melvin Carter | 40.83% | N/A |
| kaohly Her | 38.43% | N/A |
| Other Candidates | 20.74% | N/A |
The extremely tight margin raises the possibility of a recount, as dictated by Minnesota state law. A recount is automatically triggered when the margin between the top two candidates is less than half a percentage point.
– Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.
A Look at the Candidates
Melvin Carter is seeking a second term as mayor, campaigning on a platform of continued investment in public safety, affordable housing, and equitable economic advancement. Kaohly Her, a member of the St. Paul City Council,ran on a platform focused on addressing public safety concerns and improving city services.
Did You No?
St. Paul utilizes ranked-choice voting,meaning voters rank candidates in order of preference. This system aims to ensure the winning candidate has broad support from the electorate.
Timeline of Key Events
- November 7, 2023: Election Day in St. Paul.
- November 7-8, 2023: Initial vote tabulation begins.
- November 8,2023: Preliminary results released showing a close race between Carter and Her.
- TBD: Potential recount process initiated if the margin remains within the legal threshold.
Pro Tip:
To stay updated on the official results and recount process, visit the Ramsey County Elections website.
The Impact of ranked-Choice Voting
St. Paul’s adoption of ranked-choice voting adds a layer of complexity to the election. While Carter currently leads in first-choice votes, the final outcome could shift as lower-ranked choices are tallied. This system is designed to elect a candidate with the broadest appeal, even if they aren’t the first choice for a majority of voters.
“Ranked-choice voting gives voters more voice and encourages candidates to appeal to a wider range of voters.” – FairVote Minnesota
The close nature of this election underscores the importance of every vote and the potential impact of ranked-choice voting in determining the next mayor of St. Paul.
What do you think about the use of ranked-choice voting in local elections? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How will the final outcome of this race shape the future of St. Paul?
Background: St. Paul’s Political Landscape
St. Paul has a long history of progressive politics and a diverse population. The city faces ongoing challenges related to affordable housing, economic inequality, and public safety. The mayoral race has become a focal point for these issues, with candidates offering differing approaches to address them. The city’s demographics are evolving, with a growing population of younger residents and people of color
