Early voting turnout for Amarillo’s lone runoff election has fallen nearly 20% compared to last year, as voters prepare to decide a closely contested race for the Amarillo City Council Place 3 seat this Saturday.

A total of 5,922 residents cast in-person ballots during the early voting period from May 27 to June 3, according to election officials in Potter and Randall counties. That’s down from 7,351 voters during the 2023 runoff cycle.

The June 7 runoff features incumbent Tom Scherlen and challenger David Prescott, who advanced after neither secured a majority in the May 3 general election. Scherlen led by just 315 votes, setting up a highly competitive rematch.

Meet the candidates

Scherlen, a longtime Amarillo resident, worked 38 years at Austin Hose, rising from entry-level to CEO.

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