Challenger for a seat on the Nome Common Council, Rexodus Pomrenke, has been found to be ineligible to run for public office by the City Clerk’s office. The 42-year-old previously entered her name into the running for Seat C, currently held by Scot Henderson.
The City Clerk’s office confirmed to KNOM that a resident of Nome contested Pomrenke’s candidacy, as is permitted in the city’s bylaws (7.25.130 Election contest and appeal). Following an investigation, Pomrenke was determined to be ineligible due to not being registered to vote in the state of Alaska or city of Nome, the latter of which being a requirement to serve on the city council. (2.15.020 Qualifications)
The city’s bylaws (7.10.010 Qualifications) state that to vote in the municipal elections, voters must first be registered to vote in state elections. Pomrenke does not appear to be registered to vote in state elections, according to the Division of Elections. She also does not appear to have registered under her former name, Ramie Nicole Chavez, that she legally changed effective March 2, 2024.
According to the city, Pomrenke was given the opportunity to defend her candidacy one week before a determination was made. A notice was subsequently posted at the city’s temporary headquarters at the Public Safety Building announcing the decision.
Pomrenke may appeal the decision ahead of the October 1 election (7.15.090 Appeal). Should she appeal, a public hearing will be held before a final determination is made by the city council.
