Race For Newtown Borough Council Now Tied At 227

NEWTOWN, PA — You hear it often: every vote counts.

And this year's race for Newtown Borough Council proves it.

On Election Night, Democrat Julia Woldorf appeared to have a razor thin lead over Republican Chris Gusty. But after military and overseas ballots were counted, that ever-so-slim lead disappeared. And now it's tied at 227 votes. It will be decided by a lottery.

Deena Dean, the director of the county's board of elections, said Thursday the date for the lottery had not yet been set. It will be similar to the casting of lots procedure for primary ballot placement, she said.

Woldorf, in an email to Patch, said she was impressed by the high turnout of voters in Newtown Borough in an “off year” election. "I appreciate the support I received from voters in both parties. The race for Borough Council was issues-based and I hope to be able to serve on Borough Council to address those concerns," she said.

The stakes are high: Woldorf was one of three Democrats to win a seat on the board. If she prevails during the lottery, the Democrats would have a majority on the six-member board.

Democrats Nicole Rodowicz and Marvin Cohen won council seats for Newtown Borough's first ward. With incumbent Democrat Tara Grunde-McLaughlin, Woldorf's seat on the board would mean a 4-2 majority for the party.

But if Gusty prevails in the lottery, the board will be split 3-3 between the parties.

Check back for more details as they become available.

Patch file photo