Write-in votes could produce East Greenville mayoral race in November

            Long lines and record voter turnout were not experienced in Tuesday's Primary Election – quite a difference from last November's General Election.  But, it will still take time for officials to post final totals for the outcome as they validate write-ins, verify mail-ins, and verify totals.

            Montgomery Country reported a voter turnout of 27.2%; Bucks County, 25.5%; and Lehigh County, 16.24%.  Berks County figures were not available at press time.

            There were only a few contested races in our area and the statewide ballot questions took center-stage.

             But one local race presents an unusual challenge that voters don't often see.

            The race for mayor in East Greenville will take some time to sort out.  Councilman Lon Brinckman II was the lone candidate on the Republican side and garnered 72 votes.  There were no candidates on the Democratic ballot.  However, 113 write-in votes on the Republican side will need to be validated and counted before he can be declared the winner. 

            In addition, 81 write-in votes on the Democratic ticket could produce a challenger for the Republican candidate in November.

            The two proposed Pennsylvania constitutional amendments concerning disaster emergency declaration and management passed.  The first, which would allow the General Assembly to terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration or a portion of it, without the Governor's approval, passed 1,031,128 to 892,093.  Previously the Governor had to approve such action.

            The second proposal was to have disaster emergency declarations made by the Governor expire after 21 days and any extension to the declaration made by the Governor would need a concurrent resolution made by the General Assembly.  It passed 1,039,897 to 900,920. Currently, the Governor has sole authority to issue and manage all disaster emergency declarations.

            A proposed Pennsylvania constitutional amendment adding a new section providing that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of an individual's race or ethnicity passed 1,380,797 to 554,215.  There currently is no state constitutional prohibition against restricting or denying an individual's equal rights under Pennsylvania law.

            A statewide referendum making municipal fire and emergency medical services eligible for loans passed 1,386,992 to 534,353.  No additional funding was added to the loan program.  Originally, $100M was available for a low-interest state loan program for volunteer fire, ambulance, and rescue companies.  The program will now be available to professional companies as well.

            The race for four seats on the Upper Perkiomen School Board will have Krista Leh (1,176), JP Prego (945), Emily Psaris McCormick (942), and Tatiana Galota on the Democratic ballot.  On the Republican ballot will be Keith McCarrick (1,661), Melanie Cunningham (1,554), Emily Psaris McCormick (1,100), and Eve Puhalla (1,087).  Emily Psaris McCormick was the only candidate to win a spot on both tickets.

            The race for Quakertown Community School Board Director saw Diane Richino take the nomination on both the Democratic (459) and Republican seats for a 2-year term for Region 1.  Todd Hippauf (1,000) and Ronald Jackson (916) will be on the ballot for the Republicans in November.  Hippauf (315) will also be on the Democratic ballot along with Kaylyn Mitchell (562) for a 4-year term in Region 1.

            In Region 2, Jennifer Gross (602) is on top for the Democratic ticket and will face Glenn Iosue (917) on the Republican side of the ballot for a 4-year term.  Region 3 has Joseph Lyons (282) winning the Democratic race and Michael Post (362) topping the Republicans for the 2-year term.  Although on both tickets, Jason Gerhart is running a close second (222 Democratic votes and 354 Republican votes).

            For the 4-year term in Region 3, Keith Micucci collected 429 Democratic and 340 Republican votes.  Charles Shermer had 569 Republican votes and 178 Democratic.

            All Berks County precincts were not reported when this newspaper went to print.

            All election results are unofficial until certified by the county and state.