Final count gives Lisa Nisivoccia four-vote lead.
By: Melissa Edmond
Democrat Sonya Martin filed for an election recount after the gap between herself and Republican Lisa Nisivoccia for a seat on the Township Committee narrowed to just four votes with the inclusion of provisional ballots Monday.
Before the provisional votes were counted, Ms. Martin and Ms. Nisivoccia were separated by six votes out of 11,000 cast.
Provisional ballots are paper ballots completed by voters when a discrepancy in the voter registration is found. Ballots are also used when an election judge challenges a voter’s registration.
The ballots are secured in locked envelopes until they are opened and counted at the county Board of Elections.
After the 30 provisional ballots counted Monday morning by the Somerset County Board of Elections, Republican Lisa Nisivoccia had 5,604 votes and Democrat Sonya Martin had 5,600 votes. Ms. Nisivoccia received 10 votes and Ms. Martin received 12 votes from the provisional ballots.
According to the election board, four provisional ballots were rejected by the board and not included in the vote.
"Out of respect for all the citizens in Hillsborough who voted for me, I think it’s important that we ensure that there is an accurate count of the ballots and for that I have requested a recount and recheck of the election results on the advice of my attorney and representatives," said Ms. Martin.
Ms. Martin said her attorney filed the appeal with the Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon.
She said her attorneys are looking into the provisional ballots that were rejected as well as the possible inaccuracy of the optical scanner used to count the absentee ballots. She said a recount would include hand counting the absentee ballots.
"I am still very confident that I am going to be the winner in the end," said Ms. Nisivoccia. "They have every right to do the recount if that’s what they want to do. There’s nothing I have to do on my end. I’ll still be the winner after the recount."
Republican Anthony Ferrera, the only incumbent in the race, received 12 votes from the provisional ballots to raise his leading total to 5,669. Democrat Dale Gordon received 11 votes bringing his total to 5,477.
Last year, committee candidates Paul Drake and Tony Gwiazdowski were locked in a similarly close election battle, with Mr. Drake leading by 25 votes out of more than 16,000 on election night.
After counting 150 provisional ballots, of which 85 were allowed, Mr. Drake gained an additional seven votes.

