VOTES in the Kananook, Lyrebird, and Elisabeth Murdoch wards were counted on Wednesday. The first batch of counted votes shows that the race is neck-and neck in Kananook Ward, with veteran councillor Glenn Aitken narrowly ahead on the first preference count. Steffie Conroy holds a 400 vote lead on the first preference count in Lyrebird Ward as of 30 October, and Cherie Wanat looks likely to claim victory in Elisabeth Murdoch Ward.
On Tuesday, first preference votes were counted in the Ballam, Centenary Park, and Derinya wards. Three former councillors have emerged on top, but things may change once preferences are distributed. In Ballam Ward, Kris Bolam has a lead of nearly 1700 votes on the first preference count. In Centenary Park, former mayor Michael O’Reilly looks likely to return to council after a four year absence. Things are a little closer in Derinya Ward – Brad Hill currently holds a 600 vote lead over Liam Hughes. In his candidate statement, Liam Hughes urged residents not to vote for him. Counting in the remaining three wards takes place today, and late votes will be counted in all wards over the next two weeks.
As of 30 October, the first preference counts are:
Kananook Ward
Glenn Aitken 1717
Emily Green 1676
Lisa Stark 1346
Nathan Pither 1127
Trent Stagg 563
Lyrebird Ward
Steffie Conroy 2840
Sam Keats 2414
Nathan Havis 2011
Elisabeth Murdoch Ward
Stephen McDonald 2065
Cherie Wanat 3237
Suzette Tayler 1026
Henryk Kay 299
Chrysten Abraham 1438
Ballam Ward
Kris Bolam 3205
Adam Marsal 1513
Steven Hughes 1318
Cristy Solis 1305
Centenary Park Ward
Michael O’Reilly 3732
Maureen Rodgers 1862
Shane Osborne 1378
Andrew Cheeseman 500
Derinya Ward
Brad Hill 2121
Liam Hughes 1532
Hans Vanderstadt 1435
Cassandra Grace 1040
Ashleigh Hoult 994
Iva Babic 441