Politics & Government
After Salem Recount, Riccardi Wins Ward 6 City Council Race
Just one vote divided Megan Riccardi and Jerry Ryan after the Nov. 5 election, prompting Ryan to petition for a recount.
SALEM, MA — Megan Riccardi was certified as the winner of the Ward 6 Salem City Council race following a recount Monday. Riccardi had defeated Jerry Ryan 612-611 in results released on the night of the Nov. 5 election. The close margin prompted Ryan to petition for Monday's recount.
And the recount totals are: Riccardi, 612; Ryan, 611; Blanks, 24; Write-Ins, 4. Two protested votes: one recorded by Registrars for each candidate. Same result of Riccardi winning by 1 vote.
— LWV-Salem (@LwvSalem) November 25, 2019
The count remained 612-611 after the nearly five-hour-long recount process. There were two protested votes, with the board of registrars awarding one to each candidate. Attorneys also raised protests about absentee votes lacking postmarks and signatures on voter check-ins. The protests preserve the right for the losing side to challenge the recount results in a lawsuit.
If Ryan decides to challenge the recount, he needs to file a civil-action lawsuit in Salem Superior Court. The court would then make a determination on the two votes that were set aside as protested.
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Riccardi replaces Beth Gerard, who did not run for re-election.
Many congratulations to Councillor-Elect Riccardi for her win (again)!!! This is *exactly* what people mean when they say that every vote counts! https://t.co/Vf12lUqrSp
— Beth Gerard (@beth4ward6) November 25, 2019
Nov. 5 Results
| Precint 1 | Precint 2 | Total | |
| Riccardi | 331 | 281 | 612 |
| Ryan | 402 | 209 | 611 |
| Blank | 12 | 12 | 24 |
| Write-In | 4 | 0 | 4 |
Results after Monday's recount:
| Precint 1 | Precint 2 | Total | |
| Riccardi | 331 | 281 | 612 |
| Ryan | 402 | 209 | 611 |
| Blank | 13 | 11 | 24 |
| Write-In | 3 | 1 | 4 |
Previously on Patch: In Salem's Ward 6 City Council Race, Every Vote Counted
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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