The race for mayor of Kulpmont is not over. Nicholas P. Goretski III, who lost the Democratic nomination to Bernard P. Novakoski, has a 50-50 chance of appearing on the general election ballot by virtue of a Republican nomination gained through write-ins.
Novakoski also has a 50-50 chance of being the Republican nominee, and, in that case, he would be virtually assured of victory in November.
According to the Northumberland County Board of Elections, Goretski and Novakoski each received 14 write-in votes from voters in the Republican primary. Alisha Herb, county director of elections, said the figures are not final, however, since absentee and provisional ballots have not yet been counted. The counting of the absentee and provisional ballots could yet determine a winner.
However, if after the final count, Goretski and Novakoski have the same number of Republican votes, the primary winner would be determined through a tie-breaker. Herb said the tie-breaker would involve the candidates drawing lots, in the same manner as ballot position is determined, with the candidate having the higher number being declared the Republican nominee.
Also in Kulpmont, there is a possibility that Robert Bechtel could emerge as the winner of a Republican nomination for borough council. According to unofficial returns primary election, Bechtel had nine write-ins, one short of the required number to qualify for nomination. To be nominated, Bechtel would need at least one more write-in vote cast through absentee ballots.
Other write-in winners:
Coal Township - Craig Fetterman, an incumbent township commissioner who received a Democratic nomination, was guaranteed another nomination with 37 Republican write-ins (again not including absentee or provisional ballots).
Marion Heights - Incumbent Mayor Michael Woytowich, whose name did not appear on the primary ballot, was nominated through write-ins in both parties, with 10 votes from Republicans and 26 from Democrats. Councilman Anthony Dallazia, who also was not on the ballot, was nominated for council in both parties, receiving 10 Republican and 20 Democratic write-in votes.
Mount Carmel Borough - Three Democratic nominees for borough council won Republican nominations through write-ins. The candidates who won double nominations are Tony Matulewicz, 51 Republican votes; David Fantini, 48, and Robert Shirmer, 46. Deborah Kaleta, who won the Democratic nomination for tax collector, also won a Republican nomination with 11 write-ins.
(Note: Wednesday's coverage of the Northumberland County prothonotary race incorrectly referenced Justin Dunkelberger as winning the Democratic nomination. He won the Republican nomination.)