Brick School Board Election: Recount Sought Of 2-Vote Margin

BRICK, NJ — A recount has been requested in the Brick Township Board of Education election, after final vote tallies showed Jessica Clayton and Michael Blandina separated by two votes in the contest for one of the two seats.

Ocean County election officials certified the county's election results on Monday, after receiving an extension from Gov. Phil Murphy due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Several election board employees were among 16 people who tested positive for the virus, leading to quarantines that slowed the final stages of the election board's work.

The official results, posted on the county's election site, show Melissa Parker as the top vote-getter, receiving 13,528 votes. Clayton is second, with 12,968 votes, and Blandina is third, with 12,966 votes.

Micah Bender received 12,105 votes and Melissa Lozada received 10,186.

Blandina told Patch he has filed a request for a recount because the margin is so close.

"It had to to be done for my supporters, who deserve a recount," Blandina said. "No matter who ultimately wins we must continue to work for the children and taxpayers of Brick Township."

"This election shows that every vote counts," Clayton said. "I'm so thankful to everyone who voted for me and believes that I am the best person to represent them, and the students of Brick, on the Board of Education."

"I'm anxious to see that I am winning by such a small margin," she said, "but I have complete confidence that the board of elections will accurately and efficiently conduct a recount and declare a winner so that we can get back to what is really important, supporting the education of our students."

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