For the first time since 2005, Urbana will have a new mayor. Alderwoman Diane Marlin bested incumbent Mayor Laurel Prussing by more than 900 votes in Tuesday’s Democratic primary – and she’ll take on Republican Rex Bradfield in the April 4th election. Marlin maintained the early lead she held through early voting, finishing with an unofficial total of 2,427 votes. Prussing had 1,510, while Evelyn Burnette Underwood finished third with 316.

The polls are open from 6 AM until 7 PM in Urbana Tuesday, as voters choose a Democratic nominee for mayor in a primary election.

Urbana voters are choosing from incumbent Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing, who seeking a fourth term, and two challengers: Alderwoman Diane Marlin and the Reverend Evelyn Burnett Underwood. The winner faces Republican Rex Bradfield in the April 4th election.

After two terms as a member of the Urbana City Council, Diane Marlin is promising a new direction for city government, if voters choose her as their next mayor.

In their second debate, the three women seeking the Democratic nomination for Urbana mayor weighed in on downtown and 'family friendly' events, but also had a chance to highlight what set them apart, each answering questions direct specifically about them. An audience of about 100 attended the event at Riggs Brewery, hosted by the Champaign County Young Democrats, Chambana Moms, and Smile Politely.

An Urbana City Council member running for mayor says she wants to strengthen ties between emergency personnel, saying it will make the community safer. Alderwoman Diane Marlin picked up the endorsement Monday of Urbana Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 70 and Urbana Firefighters Local 1147. “Anytime you have an organization - the more dialogue, communication, and collaboration you have among departments makes the city work better," she said.