Published: 11/19/2021 5:19:07 PM
By DUSTY CHRISTENSEN
HOLYOKE — Linda Vacon has officially been confirmed as the winner of the Holyoke City Council race in Ward 5 after the city clerk’s office conducted an election recount Friday.
The recount was requested by challenger Guy O’Donnell, who lost to Vacon by just 17 votes earlier this month. After Friday’s recount, Vacon finished with a 18-vote victory over O’Donnell.
The scene was bustling Friday morning at City Hall, where more than 20 people crowded into the City Council chambers for the recount. Three teams of city officials recounted ballots by hand, calling out “Linda” or “Guy” as representatives from each campaign watched on.
In a statement, City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee said that she was happy to conduct a recount, though she understood that the process could be intimidating for both candidates involved. She said the results show that the city’s new election machines, which were purchased earlier this year, are “spot on.”
“I believe it’s important for residents to clearly see that the integrity of our elections is always a top priority of mine,” she said.
O’Donnell ultimately received 529 votes in precinct 5A compared with Vacon’s 549. In 5B, Vacon received 305 votes and O’Donnell 307.
“I want to thank everyone, including my staff and Board of Registrars, that participated, volunteered and viewed todays recount,” Murphy McGee said. “And congratulations to both candidates on your willingness to serve the City of Holyoke!”