Monroe County Democrats are celebrating a massive victory on Election Day as they flipped five town supervisor seats and secured a handful of town board positions that for decades have gone easily to Republican candidates.
Three local races, however, are still too close to call. In Webster, Democrat Alex Scialdone has a 7-vote lead over Republican Sean T. Hanna in the Webster town supervisor race. Just 11 votes separate Democrat Marvin Stepherson and Republican Scott Hand for a Monroe County Legislature seat. And there is a 14 vote difference for the Sweden Town Justice seat between Democrat Joann Sharp and Republican Paul Vadas.
Election officials must still process dozens of affidavit and absentee ballots and retain a one-week window after the election for mail-in ballots to arrive.
When are final races called in Monroe County elections?
The Monroe County Board of Elections will update the tally Nov. 21 ― meaning it could be weeks until the races are called.
“Every vote matters, and MCDC will continue supporting our candidates through the full certification process,” Monroe County Democratic Chairman Stephen DeVay said in a statement. “We’re proud of the work our committees and volunteers have done, and we’ll be with our candidates until the last ballot is counted.”
In Ontario County, the Canandaigua town supervisor race is in a similarly precarious spot: Just one vote separates candidates vying for the role.
This story was updated to reflect a third Monroe County race that is still undecided.
— Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram at @bykaylacanne. Send her story ideas, investigative tips at kcanne@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Two Monroe County races remain undecided after election. Here’s why
Reporting by Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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