(Open attachment below for results by precinct)

Despite three challengers, John Schmitt safely won re-election on Tuesday to a fourth term as Shakopee mayor.

The 71-year-old retired corporate finance director was returned to office with 47 percent of the vote. A nearly 800-vote gap separated him and city Councilor Matt Lehman, who came in second with 28 percent and retains his seat on the council.

Newcomers CJ Walor and Rachel Romansky trailed further behind in the mayoral races with 17 and 8 percent of the vote, respectively.

Turnout for the off-year election was higher than two years ago, likely buoyed by the school referendum campaign and an usually large contingency of candidates for school and city offices.

Of 18,373 registered voters, 24 percent cast a ballot Tuesday. Precinct 1 in the far northwestern pocket of Shakopee had the best turnout at 34 percent, while precinct 12 (located north and south of Highway 169, west of Marschall Road) was the worst, with 14 percent.

The most votes (573) were cast in precinct 10 in the Southbridge area, but turnout there was only 18 percent.

In 2007, 14 percent of registered voters participated in the city election. That year, Schmitt had one challenger and the two city councilor candidates ran unopposed.

 For candidate reaction and voter opinions, see Thursday's print edition of the Shakopee Valley News.