Morehead, Ky. – The city’s mayoral contest remains unresolved after unofficial tallies revealed a razor‑thin one‑vote lead for former mayor Jim Tom Trent over write‑in challenger Edna Schack, 574 to 573.
Candidates react to the close count
Trent, who previously served as Morehead’s mayor, emphasized that tight elections are familiar territory for him. He recalled winning his 2014 race by 18 votes and later losing a re‑election bid by 38 votes. “You have to trust the process,” Trent said, adding that while the delay can be frustrating, the integrity of the count is paramount.
Schack, who was out of town for an on‑camera interview, issued a statement through her campaign. “We ran an excellent campaign and people noticed. They voted for a write‑in and brought us to within one vote. We have requested a recanvass and remain optimistic about the outcome,” she said.
Recanvass scheduled
The Rowan County Clerk’s Office will conduct the recanvass on Nov. 12. Both campaigns have indicated they will be present to observe the verification of ballots and ensure that every vote is accurately counted.
Trent has not declared victory pending the recanvass, and Schack has not conceded, leaving the final result pending the official review. The close nature of the race underscores the importance of every resident’s participation in local elections.
What a one‑vote margin means for Morehead
A one‑vote difference is a rare occurrence in municipal contests and highlights the impact of voter engagement at the community level. Residents of Morehead are encouraged to stay informed about the recanvass schedule and to attend the clerk’s office if they wish to observe the process.
Local officials have reiterated that the recanvass is a standard procedure designed to confirm the accuracy of the vote count. “Our priority is to ensure that the will of the voters is reflected correctly,” a Rowan County clerk spokesperson said.
Background on the candidates
Jim Tom Trent previously served as mayor, bringing experience in city administration and a record of community involvement. Edna Schack entered the race as a write‑in candidate, campaigning on a platform of fresh ideas and increased transparency in city government.
Both candidates have stressed the importance of family values, community service, and preserving the traditions that make Morehead a strong, close‑knit city.
Next steps
After the recanvass, the Rowan County Clerk will issue a certified result. If the margin remains unchanged, Trent would be declared the winner. Should the recount shift the tally, Schack could take the mayor’s office.
Residents are urged to keep an eye on local news outlets for updates on the recanvass outcome and any subsequent actions by the city council.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
