LINCOLN- The Lincoln City Council gained another Democrat Tuesday with Tom Beckius beating two-term Republican Roy Christensen. Incumbent Sändra Washington received the most votes, followed by Beckius then incumbent Bennie Shobe.

Late Tuesday, Christensen said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve for eight years, I suspect my life will be a little simpler now.” He also said that Democrats have 6,200 more absentee permanent absentee ballots, making them much more likely to vote and giving democrats the edge. With many Democrats voting early, a democrat sweep was found: Washington, Beckius, Shobe, all democrats won the 3 seats, followed by Republicans Christensen and Mary Hilton.

33,604 early ballots were returned and 18,937 people voted in person, putting voter turnout at 29%.

The three at-large seats represent the entire city. The winners will join four council members who represent equally populated districts. Members are paid $24,000 for what is considered a part-time job.

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