Franklin Gains Ground On Fournell In Manhattan Beach Council Race

UPDATE: The number of ballots from Manhattan Beach residents is 1,007 as reported Friday by the County. The discrepancy MB patch unfortunately reported was the result of a voicemail transcription that was not correct.

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — As votes are counted, Manhattan Beach City Council candidate Joe Franklin continues to gain ground on Grettel Fournell for a seat on council. The two are separated by just 90 votes as of the latest tally by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office.

Qualifying ballots are still arriving and being tallied, hence the vote count for candidates changes everyday. Fournell has maintained the number three spot ever since the first vote tally on Election Night but her grip has been slipping as new ballots are introduced and counted. One day ago, she was ahead of Franklin by 160 votes and the day before that by 243 and prior to that by 262.

As of earlier today [Friday, Nov. 6], the LA County Registrar was reporting that there were as many as 1,007 ballots by Manhattan Beach residents left to be counted. That number means no seat is sacred though the top two vote getters so far, incumbents Steve Napolitano and Richard Montgomery continue to also increase their leads in the one and two spots.

Napolitano is tops, with 11,251 votes and 23.23% Montgomery is second with 9,346 votes and 19.30%. After Franklin and Fournell, Phoebe Lyons now has 6,272 votes and 12.95%. Mark Burton is at 5,727 votes and 11.83%. Chaz Flemmings has 1,477 votes for 3.05%.