A slim majority of Emmonak’s voters decided the community would keep its status as a “damp” village following Emmonak’s local option special election yesterday.

According to staff with the City of Emmonak, 231 total votes were counted. 96 people, or about 40% of voters, elected to ban the sale of alcohol within the community; 120 votes (52%) were in favor of not changing the current alcohol law in Emmonak. The rest were absentee or questioned votes.

Emmonak narrowly made the decision to allow alcohol in the community back in 2016, but for 15 years prior to that, it was a completely “dry” place.

The unofficial election results will be certified by the Emmonak City Council on Monday (April 29).

Image at top: Emmonak in July 2013. Photo: Adam DuBrowa, FEMA.