LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The Board of Elections and representatives from each candidate in the Livingston County Sheriff’s Race were present this morning to rule on three affidavit ballots cast in last week’s Conservative Party Sheriff’s Primary which previously ended with Jim Szczesniak having a 1 vote lead over Tom Dougherty. After the count the race now rests at a tie.
After accepting One of the three votes, which was for Tom Dougherty, the Conservative Party is now a tie.
According to the conservative Party Chair, Jason McGuire, the tie is broken by the Conservative Party Committee.
Candidate Dougherty has secured the Republican line unless the integrity of the Republican Primary is challenged in court. If Dougherty wins the Conservative Party line it’s highly unlikely for Szczesniak to be on the November ballot. No Democrat stepped forward to run, and the deadlines for them to be on the November ballot have now passed.
Outside of the Board of Elections Szcesniak would not rule out any legal action against either the validity of the Republican or Conservative primary results after a mishandling of at least 59 Republican votes that were accidentally placed on the Conservative Party line.
10:34 a.m. Hearing is just getting under way, Lawyers and Jason McGuire from the Conservative Party, sitting at table with commissioners.
10:36 a.m. Board of Elections confirms 3 Affidavit Ballots Received.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY 3 POTENTIAL BALLOTS
Affidavit Ballot 1: Registered in Independence Party Will Not Count
UPDATED VOTE COUNT:
SZCZESNIAK:159
DOUGHERTY:158
Affidavit Ballot 2:
UPDATED VOTE COUNT: No Party Affiliation, Vote Will not Count
SZCZESNIAK:159
DOUGHERTY:158
Affidavit Ballot 3:
UPDATED VOTE COUNT: Vote Will Count, Voter was at wrong table, Vote was for Dougherty
SZCZESNIAK: 159
DOUGHERTY: 159
FINAL VOTE COUNT FOR CONSERVATIVE PARTY:
SZCZESNIAK: 159
DOUGHERTY: 159
10:49 a.m. Board of Elections now moving on to Republican Party Ballots
After Counting Republican Ballots with Zero Outstanding:
SZCZESNIAK: 3,782
DOUGHERTY:3,942
Difference is 160