Write-ins make 2023 primary election returns interesting

by Ruth Isenberg

The large number of write-in votes cast in some of the local primary election contests meant the certification of results took a little longer than usual—and perhaps, a little more interesting. The Weatherly Area School Board race, in particular, elicited a large nummber of write-ins, because only one candidate had filed for the five open seats on the board.

Overall, voter turnout was low for the May 16 primary election. Here is a breakdown of the local candidates who will appear on the November 7 general election ballot:

LUZERNE COUNTY

There were five candidates for five seats on the Crestwood School Board, so there are really no contests in November. What is notable is that the

White Haven area will again have a representative on the board, after a long absence of representation.Denise Chaytor-Zugarek qualified on both the Democrat and Republican ballots. Totals were on the Democrat ticket Craig Champi-783, John Peter Webby II-963, Denise Chaytor-Zugarek-843, Anna Bibla-818, and Lauren McCurdy-952; and on the Republican ticket, Craig Champi-846, John Peter Webby II-1,071, Denise Chaytor-Zugarek-784, Anna Bibla-890, and Lauren McCurdy-794.

In Dennison Township, there was one vacancy for supervisor. No one received enough write-in votes on the Democrat ballot for that office, or for tax collector. On the Republican ballot, James Burke received 50 votes for Supervisor. A total of 40 write-ins were cast, according to the official county website, and no write-ins were recorded for tax collector.

Penn Lake Park saw a total of 10 Democrat write-ins for mayor, 9 of them one form or another of incumbent Thomas Carter. A total of 10 write-ins is neeeded to appear on the November ballot. Carter has no worries about that, however, as he received 69 votes on the Republican ballot.

For council, where there were two vacancies, Susan George was on the Democrat ballot, and received 54 votes. Susan Lenahan received 33 of the 71 write-ins listed, and qualified for the November ballot. Write-ins were also recorded for Corey Beltz and Matthew Seitchek, both of whom were listed on the See ELECTION, page 5