OAKES, N.D. (NewsDakota.com)- For those that say one’s vote doesn’t matter, it sure has in the mayoral election for the City of Oakes.

As of Wednesday morning, incumbent Monty Zimmer has stayed off a sizable challenge by Nathan O’Brien, and has been unofficially re-elected with a 130 to 120 total. There was one write-in vote in Tuesday’s election.

However, Oakes City Auditor April Haring says there are 10 absentee ballots still to be counted, and it’s possible more absentees could come in before Monday’s canvassing meeting to certify the election. If the difference in the final vote total is less than one percent, there will be a mandatory recount.

Zimmer, who has been Oakes’ Mayor since 2010, had stated last year that he would not seek another term, but decided earlier this year to run. O’Brien has been a city councilman since 2014.