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.

After a five-hour recount process, the vote results from Nov. 5 held in Salem's Ward 6 City Council election.
After a five-hour recount process, the vote results from Nov. 5 held in Salem's Ward 6 City Council election. (File photo)

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.

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.

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Riccardi replaces Beth Gerard, who did not run for re-election.

Nov. 5 Results

Precint 1Precint 2Total
Riccardi331281612
Ryan402209611
Blank121224
Write-In404

Results after Monday's recount:

Precint 1Precint 2Total
Riccardi331281612
Ryan402209611
Blank131124
Write-In314

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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