LEBANON — The recall election targeting Lebanon School Board members Rick Alexander and Josh Wineteer ends at 8 tonight.

Linn County Clerk Steve Druckenmiller said the ballot return count stands at 34.32 percent, with 5,575 ballots back out of the 16,240 issued.

The count does not include ballot drop sites in Lebanon, which will be picked up after the election ends this evening.

Tensions in the campaign have ratcheted upward in the past few days, with both sides claiming stolen or damaged campaign signs.

Alexander filed an ethics complaint with the Oregon State Bar Association against CARES President John “Tre” Kennedy, a Lebanon attorney, charging Kennedy with lying about his actions. The bar asked for supplementary information and has granted Alexander a two-week extension, to Oct. 20, to receive it.

Wineteer and fellow board member Russ McUne both had their homes pelted with eggs, McUne a few weeks ago and Wineteer on Saturday. McUne, appointed to the board two months ago, said he did not initially connect the incident with his new position but that it’s possible given the incident at Wineteer’s house.

Kennedy said CARES is not responsible.

“Is it related to somebody who’s upset with the school board? I have no idea,” he said. “It’s certainly nothing to do with CARES, and it’s reprehensible.”

Kennedy said regardless of the election results, CARES will “be active and try to move education forward in Lebanon.”

If the recall succeeds, he said, “There’s going to be no joy. It’s unfortunate we got to the point where we had to file a recall. I think it will just tell you the community is ready to move forward and get over the fighting.”

If it fails, he said, “We’ll put out the olive branch and work with them.”

Alexander has said on several occasions that voters are welcome to recall him any time they are unsatisfied with his service.

At the board’s regular meeting Monday, Wineteer called the recall “unfortunate, and only served to divide this community,” but said regardless of the outcome he hopes the community “will come back together and focus on what’s truly important.”

“It’s been my honor and pleasure to serve you these last few years,” he said.

Look for a link to election results at democratherald.com after 8 tonight.