Nine votes separate Republican incumbent Brian Walsh and Democratic challenger Kevin Walsh in the race for Pine Plains Town Supervisor. As of Nov. 7, Brian Walsh has received 423 votes to Kevin Walsh’s 414.
While the Dutchess County Board of Elections lists 100% of Election Day votes as reported, the outcome is still uncertified. That has left some residents wondering: If all votes are in, why can’t a winner be declared?
The short answer: Some votes, including outstanding mail ballots, won’t be counted for at least several days. Election officials have until Nov. 29 to certify the election.
Ballots Still Outstanding
Lisa Jessup, Democratic Commissioner for the Dutchess County Board of Elections, explained that the “100% reported” figure reflects only those ballots that have already been scanned — meaning votes cast in person during early voting and on Election Day, plus absentee ballots received before polls closed.
“Absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day can still arrive through Nov. 12,” Jessup told The Herald. “Military and overseas ballots can be received until Nov. 17.”
As of Thursday, Nov. 6, Jessup said 21 absentee ballots remain outstanding, including two from military or overseas voters. Three of those ballots have already arrived but were not included in the election-night tally, while 18 have not yet been received and may or may not arrive before the deadline.
The Board of Elections is also reviewing three affidavit ballots, cast by voters whose eligibility must be verified before their votes can be counted.
Historically, not all outstanding absentee ballots are returned.
When Every Vote Counts
The tight margin all but guarantees a hand recount, Jessup confirmed. Under New York law, any election decided by fewer than 20 votes — or less than half a percent of total ballots cast — must be manually recounted.
That process won’t begin until all eligible absentee, affidavit, and military ballots have been counted.
The recount will take place at the Board of Elections office in Poughkeepsie. “Candidates are notified and allowed to observe the recount, but they’re not required to attend,” Jessup said. “Typically, they or their attorneys come to watch.”
Hand counts rarely shift the outcome, Jessup added: “The machines are very accurate. A recount is more about transparency and giving both sides confidence in the process.”
Certification and the Timeline Ahead
After all ballots are received and counted, county officials will move to certify the results. Jessup said that could happen before Nov. 29 if outstanding ballots are not determinative.
Still, with a margin as slim as Pine Plains’, even a handful of ballots could potentially swing the election either way.
Go vote for Brian Walsh!!!!!!!!!!! He been living there for years he knows what’s best
let’s hope Kevin comes out ahead