By KATIE MCDOWELL/Lifestyles Editor

Editor’s note: Click here for more information about Chelsea’s election results.

Earl Niven was elected to his fifth term as mayor of Chelsea on Aug. 28.

Niven received 817 votes to finish first, while challenger Kirk Pownall received 744 votes.

“I’m very proud to have been elected for my fifth full term,” he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing the progress we have made in Chelsea.”

Niven said he had a long day waiting for the results, which were posted outside City Hall around 9:30 p.m. Provisional ballots have yet to be counted and a final tally from Tuesday night’s election will be announced next week. The winners of close races could change depending on the final tally.

Two of Chelsea’s districts, Places 2 and 4, appear to be headed for a runoff.

In Place 2, incumbent Tony Picklesimer received 687 votes and Scott Weygand received 685 votes. Based on Tuesday’s numbers, the two will face off in a runoff election this fall. Challenger Will Lantrip received 122 votes.

In Place 4, Alison Moore Nichols and incumbent Mike Denton will also face off in a runoff based on Tuesday’s numbers. Nichols received 669 votes, Denton received 433 and David Birdsong received 399.

In Place 1, incumbent Dale Neuendorf received 806 votes, while challenger Brian Horton received 640.

In Place 3, incumbent Robert Barnes received 736 votes to challenger David Ingram’s 735 votes.

In place 5, incumbent Juanita Champion received  828 votes, Scott Weldon received 523, and Kurt Long received 145 votes.

Niven said a runoff will be held Oct. 9 at Chelsea City Hall.