Up by just 277 votes on Election Night, it was just too soon for Bainbridge Parks Commissioner Ken DeWitt to proclaim victory.

“I’ll feel much better tomorrow afternoon,” DeWitt laughed.

DeWitt, a 15-year veteran of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District’s board of commissioners, was leading with 52.8 percent of the vote over challenger John Grinter.

Grinter polled at 46.8 percent of the vote in the initial vote tally Nov. 3.

DeWitt added that though he seemed to be winning by “a pretty sizable margin,” he was hesitant to declare victory.

“I’m always apprehensive,” DeWitt said. “I don’t think it’s good to get overconfident.”

In the initial tally, DeWitt had 2,411 votes, while Grinter pulled in 2,134.

DeWitt said his campaign had relied on strong personal ties, direct interaction with voters and his strong record of service, a strategy that seems to have resonated with island voters. His campaign didn’t have a web site, yard signs or the many other trappings of a modern race for elected office.

“I campaigned by talking to a lot of people and asking them to put in a good word for me,” he said. “I did not mount a strong formal campaign.”

With a lengthy record of service on Bainbridge, DeWitt said that his apparent reelection had reassured him that the people he represented and worked for approved of and supported his work.

“I am encouraged by tonight’s vote,” DeWitt said.

Grinter could not be reached for immediate comment on Election Night.