Lanet_Greenhaw_0024Lanet Greenhaw won reelection to the RISD school board 3463 to 1100 Saturday, fending off a challenge by newcomer Rachel Chumney. Chumney earned the most votes in the initial election, but a third candidate also ran and a runoff was required.

Though overall turnout was light, as it is in most one-issue runoff elections, some LH precincts saw a jump in participation. This, despite confusion as construction and summer closings caused changes to the regular polling places of many LH voters.  Every precinct with an increase in voter turnout went to Greenhaw.

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Precinct 1004, for example, which normally votes at Forest Meadow Junior High, doubled from 32 to 67 voters. Greenhaw won there 64-3. In 1006, normally voting at Moss Haven, voters were up from 47 to 70 and Greenhaw won there 63-7. In 1044, normally at Forest Meadow Baptist Church, 100 voted instead of 76 and it went 80-20 Greenhaw. In the first election, Greenhaw earned 19, 22 and 42 votes at these sites, respectively.

In her concession speech to supporters and on her campaign’s Facebook page , Chumney, special education activist and mom of three RISD students, pledged to support Greenhaw and the other trustees.

“To quote my daughter…’At least you came in 2nd place Mommy! But you’re my #1!’ Thank you to all who have supported me through this endeavor. I have made so many new wonderful friends, and I have experienced great personal growth over these past several months. It’s been an incredible journey, and I am committed to journeying on! I see a bright future for RISD and promise to remain active in whatever capacity I can to serve our RISD community. Thank you to all of you who cast your vote for me and congratulations to Lanet Greenhaw on a 6th term!”