JOHN DAY — It looks like one new member will be joining the John Day City Council, but the body’s political dynamic will largely remain unchanged.

In early unofficial results, Heather Swank, Chris Labhart and Dave Holland were the leading vote-getters in the six-way race for the three open seats on the council. Swank would be the newcomer on the seven-member council; Holland and Labhart are incumbents seeking reelection.

According to tallies posted by the Grant County Clerk’s Office after the polls closed at 8 p.m. Nov. 5, Swank had 413 votes, Labhart had 381 and Holland had 365.

Trailing them were Shannon Adair with 351 votes, Ed Newby with 345 and Vernon Pifer with 314.

It was possible late ballots could tilt the balance in the race. The difference between third and fourth place was 14 votes in the initial returns, and the difference between third and fifth place was 20 votes.

Mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day can be counted if they are received and accepted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Two coalitions have emerged in this city council election, those who support and those who oppose former City Manager Nick Green and his policies.

Three of the six candidates in the race (Swank, Pifer and Newby) largely oppose Green’s policies, while two (Holland and Adair) have been staunch supporters. The final candidate (Labhart) describes himself as a moderate with loyalties to neither side.

The winners in this election will join Mayor Sherrie Rininger, Council President Eric Bush and Councilor Ron Phillips, all part of the anti-Green coalition, on the council. The body’s newest member, Bradley Hale, was appointed on Oct. 22 over the objections of the pro-Green councilors.

Swank got the most votes of any candidate in the city council race. She expressed thanks to those who voted for her and pledged to move the community forward.

“The support from the citizens of John Day is very humbling. I’ll do my best to represent those who have elected me by using common sense and thoughtful consideration to address the imminent challenges we face,” she said. “Along with the other council members, I look forward to steering the community forward in a positive way.”

Labhart, who has held just about every elected office you can think of in the county, thanked voters for trusting him with another term on the John Day council.

“I appreciate the public having faith in me,” he said. “I’ll continue to represent the people of John Day and hopefully repair the confidence of the people in us and continue to be transparent.”

Holland declined to comment on the election result.

Swank, Labhart and Holland will all serve four-year terms.