Arcata Earth-flag measure now on track to pass with less than 1,500 ballots left to count

EUREKA, Calif. — Arcata's Earth-flag measure now is on track to pass, after new unofficial midterm election results were released by Humboldt County elections officials on Wednesday.

The third unofficial post-election report includes the counting of more than 9,000 ballots that weren't included in the previous report released last week. Based on county-provided data earlier this month, less than 1,500 ballots remain unprocessed.

Perhaps the most notable update includes a lead change in Arcata's Measure M, which would require the Earth flag to fly above all other flags on city-owned flag poles.

"Yes" votes now lead the "No" votes by a margin of 135 votes.

In another close race, G. Mario Fernandez expanded his lead over John Fullerton in the Eureka City Council Ward 3 seat. Fernandez now has about 53% of all counted ballots and a lead of 118 votes.

Also in Eureka, Renee Contreras De Loach held onto her lead over Nicholas Kohl for the Eureka City Council seat representing Ward 5. Contreras De Loach now holds a lead of 83 votes, accounting for about 53.5% of counted ballots.

While those races remain close, some other candidates appear to have mathematically insurmountable leads.

In Arcata, candidates Meredith Matthews and Kimberly White each have leads of more than 2,100 votes over the next closest candidate, Raelina Krikston. Votes cast for Matthews and White account for about 68% of all processed ballots.

Juan Pablo Cervantes remains in the lead in the race for Clerk Recorder, with 55.96% of votes counted. He leads his opponent Tiffany Hunt-Nielsen by 4,802 votes.

To view the third post-election results report, click here.