Vote Recount Denied In Hillsborough Township Committee Election

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A recount of votes in the 2022 General Election between Democrat Erynn Murray and Republican Robert Britting was denied on Monday by Superior Court Judge Kevin Shanahan.

"At a time when it is increasingly important to make sure every vote is counted we felt a recount was needed to confirm the count," said Hillsborough Democratic Organization Chairwoman Michele Kidd. "Although Judge Kevin Shanahan ruled against a recount, we fully respect and honor the outcome."

Shanahan ruled that Hillsborough Democrats had failed to provide sufficient evidence to show that a hand recount would change the results of the election. Somerset County Courts confirmed the decision was denied.

The Democratic Organization had initially requested the recount on Nov. 28 following the certification of the election results showing Democrat Erynn Murray trailed Robert Britting by 46 votes.

According to the final results certified by Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter:

• Robert Britting - Republican* - 7,473
• Erynn Murray - Democrat - 7,427

"With the margin between the two candidates being 46 votes, or less than ½ of 1 percent, we decided it is prudent to proceed with a recount," stated Murray previously in November..

Britting was selected by the Hillsborough Township Committee in March 2022 to fill Steven Cohen's open seat after he resigned due to his ongoing battle with long-haul COVID-19. Britting was recently sworn in at the last committee meeting on Dec. 13. Read More: 2 Hillsborough Committeemen Sworn In As Recount Remains Undecided

"We are very happy for Bob Britting and his family who have had to go through this lengthy process since winning the election on November 8th. We are grateful to Judge Shanahan for the
the opportunities he gave the democratic challenger in presenting her case which clearly shows
a very transparent process," said said Hillsborough Republican Chairman Ken Scherer. "I am also happy for the great staff at the Somerset County Board of Elections because a recount this week would have been so unfair to these folks who have worked tirelessly since this election cycle began 3 months ago. Now everyone can enjoy the holidays."

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