Ten Mercer Island candidates — ranging from veterans to newcomers — are involved in three races in the Aug. 3 primary in the city council and school district board realms.

King County Elections released the first round of early results at 8:15 p.m. that night and here’s where the races stood at press time.

In the City Council Position No. 6 race, Kate Akyuz has 2,950 votes, 47.01%; Lisa Anderl has 2,510 votes, 40.00%; and Adam Ragheb has 803 votes, 12.80%.

In the School District Director Position No. 2 race, Brian Giannini Upton has 2,322 votes, 38.02%; Dan Glowitz has 2,190 votes, 35.86%; Elle Nguyen has 1,068 votes, 17.49%; and Janelle Lucero has 520 votes, 8.51%.

In the School District Director Position No. 4 race, Deborah Lurie has 3,205 votes, 53.63%; Lacey Aaker has 1,707 votes, 28.56%; and Joanna Sheppard has 1,034 votes, 17.30%.

The candidates are vying for the top two spots in their respective races in order to be placed on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.

The Reporter reached out to all the candidates for comments about the early results and their election experiences and received six statements at post time.

Akyuz enjoyed meeting with hundreds of residents at their front doors and listening to their ideas during her election campaign.

“However, much of the credit for my strong showing in the primary was because of the dedicated work of my volunteers. Without them, I would not have come out in the lead. There is a lot of work to do before the general election and I look forward to listening to even more people at their door. I know we can work better together,” she said.

Anderl is honored to serve Mercer Island residents.

“I was elected to represent our community. Much has been accomplished and Mercer Island is in a better position. I look forward to continuing these efforts. Congratulations to both of my opponents on their strong showings,” she said.

For Lurie, she’s grateful where she stands as the primary votes roll in and looks forward to continued success in the general election.

“Mercer Island has always been my home and I am honored to have been elected to serve and hope to continue advocating for all students, staff and families for years to come,” she said.

Nguyen said it was an honor to run for school board.

“If I was not stricken with pneumonia due to COVID-19 virus, I would have held a few meet-and-greets. Unfortunately, time was not on my side to recover. I will be back next election to serve my community, thank you,” she added.

Sheppard said she gained valuable skills that she will utilize during her continued political journey.

She noted: “This was my first time running for office and it was a great experience. It was eye-opening to connect with so many impassioned parents fighting for their children. I want to encourage the next generation to take an active role in their community. Congratulations to my opponents and I wish them luck in the general election.”

Ragheb said that during his campaign he learned a lot about what transpires in his new city.

“While our family is new to the Island, we’re excited to get more involved and contribute to helping Mercer Island thrive. It was very interesting and informative to speak with neighbors and city leaders past and present and to learn about their experiences, insight, and views. As regards the initial election results, I was happy and encouraged by them as I ran a very small campaign,” he said.

For updated information, visit the King County Elections site at https://kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/results/2021/202108.aspx.

The primary election results will be certified on Aug. 17.