Photo: bizoo_n / iStock / Getty Images
Recounts are set to begin today (July 2) in two closely contested Albany Common Council Democratic primaries. In the Third Ward, Arthur Lumpkin holds a narrow lead over James Davis, with unofficial results showing Lumpkin ahead by five votes. The race is to replace Joyce Love, who decided not to seek a third term. In the Sixth Ward, Diedre Brodie is ahead of Justin Perkins by just one vote, as both candidates vie to succeed Gabriella Romero, who vacated her seat to serve as a 109th district Assembly member.
According to Albany County Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner Alison McLean Lane, there are not many absentee ballots left to count in either race. The recount is scheduled to begin today, as required by state law when the margin of victory is fewer than 20 votes or less than 0.5%.
The recount process will involve a manual recount of the ballots. Republican Board of Elections Commissioner Rachel Bledi explained that ballots with deficiencies, such as mismatched signatures, can be cured by voters signing an affidavit to confirm their vote. The deadline for receiving absentee ballots postmarked by election day is today.
Both candidates in the Sixth Ward race have expressed their commitment to ensuring every vote is counted. Perkins, who is also endorsed by the Working Families Party, may appear on the November ballot regardless of the primary outcome. He stated, "As the democratic process moves forward, we will fight for every vote to be counted." Brodie praised the high turnout and emphasized the importance of every voice being heard.
The Board of Elections anticipates having a clearer picture of the election results by Wednesday afternoon (July 3). The outcome of these races will determine the Democratic candidates for the November elections.