Isabelle Ross

The state reported a record-high number of new coronavirus cases among Alaska residents over the weekend. Two of those cases were in Dillingham, and three were in the census area.

In-person absentee voting is underway now through Nov. 2. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 -- Election Day. Find out how to vote safely around Bristol Bay!

According to the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, nine of the people who tested positive were close contacts of previous cases. The City of Dillingham said there are currently four active cases in Dillingham proper. 

Three of the individuals in the Dillingham Census Area had recently traveled outside the region, and the latest case was a close contact. All are currently in isolation, and the state has started contact tracing for all three cases. 

The person had recently traveled outside of the region and is currently in isolation at home. The people they live with have been notified and tested, and the state is contact tracing. 

The first person to test positive October 8 is in isolation. A close contact of that case tested positive the same day. That person is not experiencing symptoms and had recently traveled outside the region.

Absentee votes could be enough to make a difference in races for Dillingham City Council and the Bristol Bay Borough School Board. 

Polls are open in communities around Bristol Bay until 8 p.m. tonight. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by today. 

Alsworth has served on the school board for three years. He said during that time, the school district has undergone quite a few changes. Ballots for the Lake and Pen elections must be postmarked by October 6. No late ballots will be accepted, so the sooner voters send them out, the better.

Three seats are open in the Lake and Peninsula Borough’s school board election. Ballots must be postmarked by October 6. No late ballots will be accepted, so the sooner voters send them out, the better.

Evelynn Trefon of Newhalen is challenging incumbent Randolph Alvarez of Igiugig for seat A on the borough's assembly. Ballots must be postmarked by October 6, and no late ballots will be accepted.