Lindenhurst Teen Loses School Board Election

LINDENHURST, NY - The votes have been counted -- and the Lindenhurst teen who announced ran for a spot on the school board officially lost the race.

Lindenhurst High School senior Gabrielle Anzalone announced her candidacy after she and other students received detention for participating in the national school walkout in protest against gun violence in March.

However, on Tuesday the 18-year-old officially lost the election to her opponent, Josephine Martino.

Martino received a total of 1036 votes while Anzalone received 747 votes.

Following the election, Anzalone released this statement on her Facebook page:

"I was not elected to fill the open seat on the Lindenhurst BOE- but we still won. The young people's voices are finally being heard, we have inspired more youth to get involved, people registered to vote. A young man told me I inspired his friend to someday run for the BOE. My friend, who at one point told me there is no point in voting, registered to vote for this election. THAT is what this is all about. This isn't about a single election- it's the beginning of a movement. A revolution. Congratulations to Josephine JoJo Martino for being elected, I know you will serve Lindenhurst well. I look forward to seeing what you do."

Martino also released a statement on her Facebook page, thanking the voters and expressing her admiration for Anzalone.

"I would like to thank all the people that came out to vote for me tonight. I look forward to working with the board on issues that are important to this community," she wrote. "I admire Gabrielle Anzalone for having the courage to put herself out there. I wish you all the best. Thank you all for the support."

Are you happy with the results? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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