UPDATE: 9:54 p.m. Aimee Melton has been re-elected in District 7 winning 65% of the vote. She issued the following statement:
"I appreciate the constant support of my family, friends, and our volunteers. Without them, our victory tonight would not be possible. I also want to thank my opponent, Brian Thommes, for getting involved in the political process. Putting your name forward takes courage and commitment. Thank you for your commitment to our community," she added.
"My congratulations to Mayor Stothert and her team on their victory tonight. Tomorrow, as with every day, we'll be back to work for Omaha taxpayers." -Aimee Melton
UPDATE: 9:35 p.m. The third set votes have been counted and show that Mayor Stothert's lead has increased to 7,426 votes. So far Stothert has 40,013 votes while Mello trails with 32,587 votes. The fourth round of votes is expected to come in at 10:15 a.m.
UPDATE: 8:47 p.m. The second set of votes have been counted showing showing that Incumbent Mayor Stothert has increased her lead by 5,323 votes. So far Stothert has 29,652 while challenger Heath Mello has 24,329 votes
UPDATE 8:15 p.m. The polls have been closed for nearly an hour now and the numbers are rolling in. So far incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert is leading challenger Heath Mello by 4,554 votes
Polls are officially have officially closed for Omaha’s city election. After weeks of non-stop campaigning, it’s now in the hands of voters to choose either incumbent Jean Stothert or challenger Heath Mello for mayor.
Omahans will have to decide whether Mayor Jean Stothert should serve another term or if it’s time for her challenger Heath Mello to take over.
The old adage, “Every vote counts” applies to the mayoral and city district races. Voter turnout is predicted to be 31 percent, according to the Douglas County Election Commission. The number slightly higher than the primary election – 23 percent. Only three percentage points separated the two in during the April race.
On Monday, 3 News Now caught up Stothert and Mello as they made the final push, appealing to voters. Stothert held signs near 72nd and Dodge streets, and later appeared with city council members up for re-election and with Congressman Don Bacon. Meanwhile, Mello door-knocked with volunteers in neighborhoods.
We will be bringing you live election results
