Update, 5 p.m. Tuesday:  Turnout started strong in Unalaska’s local election today, but it’s tailed off this afternoon amid rough weather.

Just over 260 people had voted by 5 p.m. There was a steady stream of residents coming in and out of the polls after getting off work. City clerk Cat Hazen hopes that’ll mean more voters before polls close at 8 p.m.

Most people didn’t want to share how they’d voted in today's contested city council race -- between incumbent Dennis Robinson, and challenger Yudelka Leclere.

High school history teacher Jeff Dickrell was one such voter. But he said either way, it’s nice to see some competition.

"It’s good to give everybody a choice. It’s something," Dickrell said outside the polls today. "Everybody complains and very little people do anything about it, so it’s good to see Yudelka step up."

It’s the first officially contested council race since 2011 -- and it’s generated some last-minute campaign buzz. Signs supporting Robinson and Leclere popped up near Captains Bay Road this weekend. And Robinson held a meet and greet last night at the Norwegian Rat Saloon. This is the first time he’s had to defend his seat as an incumbent during his four terms on council.

Tune in to KUCB 89.7 FM at 8:10 p.m. for live election returns from City Hall, and check Channel 8 to see results.

Update, 12 p.m. Tuesday: Unalaska’s local election is underway today, and turnout so far has been higher than expected.

The municipal election doesn’t usually pull a lot of voters -- especially when there are several uncontested races on the ballot. But just over 100 people braved the rough weather to come vote at City Hall this morning.

Many came in groups early on -- which city clerk Cat Hazen calls a pleasant surprise.

"This morning it seems to be a lot of people from the processing plants," she says, adding that the one contested race is probably drawing voters to the polls.

Incumbent city councilor Dennis Robinson is defending his seat for the first time, against Yudelka Leclere. City councilor Zoya Johnson is running unopposed, as are three school board candidates.

Hazen’s hoping for turnout in the 400 to 600 range before polls close at 8 p.m. There are more than 1,700 people registered to vote in the city.