The Primary Election solved several contested races, but one interesting issue came up when the votes were counted in the California Township Advisory Board race on the Republican ticket.
Three candidates were to be chosen and four candidates filed to run for that office. Steve Ahlenius received the most votes with 72 and Matt McGowan, Sr. received the second most votes with 63. The last two Republican candidates, Michele Albon and Phill Cherry, received the same number of votes at 53 which created a tie for that third candidate to be considered for a seat on the California Township Advisory Board.
The top two vote getters will advance to the General Election. According to Starke County Clerk Evelyn Skronski, because Michele Albon and Phill Cherry tied, they are no longer able to be considered for the seat. She said they are finished in the Primary Election and that creates a vacancy on the General Election ballot.
Skronski explained that the pair can express their interest in the position when the Republican party meets to decide who will fill that spot on the General Election ballot. If both of them express interest, a Caucus will be held. The precinct committeemen will then have to vote on a third candidate to fill the slot on the ballot. The party has until June 30 to find a candidate.
The Democrat party will also need to find a third candidate to fill the California Township Advisory Board slot on the ballot.
Skronski added that in the 20 years that she’s worked in the clerk’s office she has never seen a situation as unique as this one. There have been recounts but never a tie in a race for office.
The General Election is Tuesday, Nov 4.
In the General Election, a total of three candidates will be voted on to fill the board.
Skronski added that in the 20 years that she’s worked in the clerk’s office she has never seen a situation as unique as this one. There have been recounts but never a tie in a race for office.
The General Election is Tuesday, Nov 4.
