Ryan Appeals Decision In Salem Election Trial

SALEM, MA — Jerry Ryan, who had his lawsuit challenging November's Ward 6 City Council election dismissed Wednesday, filed a notice of appeal Thursday signaling he will challenge the judge's ruling. Lawrence Superior Court John Lu lifted an injunction Wednesday, clearing the way for Megan Riccardi to be sworn in during a ceremony at 7:3o p.m. in Salem City Hall Thursday night. Ryan filed his lawsuit after a recount upheld Riccardi's one-vote victory in the election.

A notice of appeal is the first step in challenging a court ruling. The action will not prevent Salem from swearing in Riccardi and other elected officials as scheduled Thursday.

In photos of a handwritten motion that were circulated on social media Thursday, Ryan's attorney, Mary-Ellen Manning, argued the court erred in siding with the city when it said it did not have to accept an out-of-state i.d. as proof of identity for a Spanish-speaking voted who was not allowed to vote on Nov. 5. She also asked for rulings of law on several issues raised during the nine-day trial.