'Shame On You:' Residents Call For Concession In Mendham Election

MENDHAM, NJ — Residents spoke up in person and via Zoom at the Mendham Township Committee meeting, demanding that Deputy Mayor Tom Baio concede his November election loss against fellow candidate Lauren Spirig.

The remarks were prompted by a previous report that Baio and the Morris County Republican Party were planning to file a lawsuit alleging illegal votes were cast and seeking to invalidate 33 mail-in ballots.

The Morris County Republican Party claims those specific mail-in ballots failed to meet the residency requirements for voting in Mendham Township.

According to a statement made by Morris County Republican Committee Chair Laura Ali, this election showcased a lack of integrity and dishonored the collective voice of the Mendham Township community.

Read more: Mendham Republicans Challenge Absentee Ballots In Committee Race

"What's happening in Mendham is disappointing. I am a young voter, I am a college student, and I still vote in Mendham, because this is my hometown and I am allowed to do that. It's not a question of whether Amalia, or Tom, or Jane, or Diana think you're still a resident of Mendham. That is not how it works," resident Matthew Messina said.

Spirig's initial victory was quickly called into question by a fellow candidate, Baio, who lost the election to Spirig by just three votes. The vote recount, which took place this month, confirmed the initial decision and re-designated Spirig as the official winner.

According to the County Clerk's certified results, Republican Tracey Moreen finished first with 1,532 votes, followed by Democrat Lauren Spirig with 1,473 votes. Baio came in third place with 1,470 votes, ahead of Democrat Slayne, who received 1,397 votes.

"Where is your sense of shame, attempting to disenfranchise young voters? Shame on you," resident Diane Dinklage said.

Many speakers emphasized how Baio's lawsuit and other recent political actions have garnered national media attention for what residents claim is damaging the reputation of the otherwise peaceful and loving community.

"There is still a chance for you to course correct and set an important example… I'm disheartened that this is the message we are sending… There are so many wonderful things about Mendham. I would love to see a different story out there in the world about this town, which is such a special place," resident Meredith Sahi said.

Baio filed an official lawsuit in the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Civil Part Morris County, in Morristown, on Dec. 20. Although the lawsuit names the alleged 33 invalid voters, no specific evidence is cited in the court document to support that determination.