LAHARPE — The adage “every vote counts” proved itself once again Tuesday.
A single vote (so far) is deciding who will be seated on the LaHarpe Council.
Former City Councilman David Lee won one of the seats with 53 votes, while newcomer Danny Ware Jr. received 43 votes. Incumbent Savannah Flory stands at 42 votes.
The one-vote margin may change Monday morning when the vote is canvassed, and four provisional ballots are considered. A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there are questions about a voter’s eligibility.
There’s a slim chance the provisional ballots may also affect the mayoral race, where Councilwoman EllaMae Crowell leads former mayor Lloyd Wayne Turner by four votes, 38 to 34.
In addition, County Clerk Sherrie Riebel said another ballot cast during Tuesday’s election did not properly make it through the county’s voting machine, so it will be hand counted Monday morning when the election is canvassed. Riebel was uncertain from where the ballot originated.
“We’re not sure if it will affect the LaHarpe vote,” she said.
The voting breakdown for the City Council:
David Lee, 53 votes; Danny Ware Jr., 43; Savannah Flory, 42; Ronald Knavel Sr., 21; Don Gay, 18.
For LaHarpe mayor: EllaMae Crowell, 38 votes; Lloyd Wayne Turner, 34; Cynthia Carr, 24.
Margins slim in LaHarpe elections
