The Montgomery County Board of Elections counted absentee ballots today, giving a clearer – if not yet official – indication of the winners of three very close races for Amsterdam City Council positions. In each race, the leading candidate held a single digit lead over their opponent after the polls closed on election day, and in each case the margin was less than the number of absentee ballots yet to be counted. The addition of the absentee ballot votes did not change the leaders in those races. However, the board is continuing to canvass the ballots and according Republican BOE Commissioner Terrance Smith, the official results may not be available until as late as November 27 due to new election rules which have delayed their usual procedures.
In the first ward, incumbent Pat Russo now leads with 460 votes to challenger Ken Mazur’s 454 votes.
In the second ward, challenger Dave Gomula now leads with 239 votes to incumbent Paul Ochal’s 234 votes.
In the third ward, incumbent Irene Collins now leads with 325 votes to challenger Kim Van Wormer’s 320 votes.
