Preliminary, unofficial results from the Town of Estes Park’s April 7 municipal election show Kirby Hazelton and Jamie Mieras leading the race for two four-year trustee seats, according to the Town Clerk’s Office. Unofficially, Hazelton received 1,035, and Mieras received 920.
Chris Eshelman and Bill Brown remain separated by a narrow margin as officials continue counting ballots. Eshelman received 856 votes, and Brown received 845. Final results will determine which candidate secures the remaining four-year term and which will fill a two-year term.
Randy Welch received 646 votes, and Aidan Rosenau received 580.
Official results are expected to be certified on April 17, following the required canvass.
Under state election law, ballots from military and overseas voters covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, or UOCAVA, may be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received within eight days after the election. The town will conduct its final canvass on the 10th day after the election.
Voter turnout for the election was approximately 34% of active registered voters within town limits. Previous municipal mail ballot elections have typically seen turnout between 50% and 60%.
The newly elected trustees will be sworn in at the Town Board meeting on April 28 at 7 p.m.
“Voter turnout for the election was approximately 34% of active registered voters within town limits.”
Apathy wins again – 66% to 34%!!