It's Official: Heaberg Wins Election Squeaker

It only takes one more vote than the other candidate to win election to the Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors. The result of is now official. Mike Heaberg got two more votes than Molly Duffy.

The official vote count shows incumbent Republican Mike Heaberg received 2,278 votes. Democrat challenger Molly Duffy got 2,276.

It has been a roller coaster ride for both candidates since the ballots were cast on May 17.

The unofficial first count on election night gave . But problems reported with machinery in many Chester County precincts prompted an of the ballots May 23.  The day-long hand count—witnessed by both candidates, their lawyers, and party officials—resulted in 61 previously uncounted ballots turning up and the lead changing hands. Heaberg votes after the official hand count. 

Heaberg declared victory. Duffy and the Democrats took a wait-and-see approach pending the vote certification by a three-judge panel. The vote has now been certified. Duffy could now request a recount, but a statement released by Tredyffrin Township  Democrats implies that's probably not going to happen.

Here is the text of a press release emailed to Patch by TTDEMs Chair Dariel Jamieson:

"Certification of the Special Election vote for Tredyffrin Supervisor should be announced this week after a complete manual count of ballots and full reconciliation by Chester County’s Voter Services. While there has still been no plausible explanation of how 61 ballots could have gone uncounted on Election Day, Democratic candidate Molly Duffy’s 40-vote lead on election night has fallen to a two-vote deficit, out of over 4,500 ballots cast."

The TDEMs statement goes on to quote this statement by Molly Duffy: 

"'I want to thank all those who supported me and voted for me, especially my family. Statistically the result of our campaign’s hard work feels like a ‘virtual tie.’ But it only takes one vote to win. We put forth a tremendous effort and showed that running a campaign based on qualifications and issues resonated with voters. Everyone should be heartened, not heart-broken, over the photo finish in the special election.

"I know I’m looking forward to the November election for a full four-year term as supervisor. I’ll keep stressing the important issues facing our township:  We need to revitalize our business corridors, improve traffic management, and provide safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists.  It is vital that we maintain the quality of township services expected in Tredyffrin, including police and fire protection, while holding the line on taxes," the statement reads.

 "Our campaign noted my work with municipalities—including other municipalities, in addition to Tredyffrin. I’ve worked on business improvement and transportation plans, including for Paoli. I’m running for Supervisor because I believe in finding and implementing solutions.

"It takes supervisors with a bent toward action and some far-sightedness to help realize the community’s vision. We’re fortunate to be living in a wonderful community. I want to help preserve its virtues and enrich it as a great place to live.

"Thanks again to everyone who came out to vote and made May an exciting election. I hope you will remember my experience and my vision, and bring some friends along to vote for me on Nov. 8.

You have to admit we showed even one vote can make a difference.”

Heaberg was appointed to the seat in February after Warren Kampf stepped down to become a state representative. The special election was held to fill the remainder of Kampf's unexpired term.

Heaberg and Duffy will face each other  in the November general election for a full four year term on the board.  

Voter turnout hovered just over 20 percent for the special election on a rainy May 17. Turnout will obviously be a crucial factor for both candidates in the general election on Nov. 8.