1 Indiana Township supervisor race tied, the other too close to call

Only two votes separate the winner and loser in one Indiana Township supervisor’s race, and another race ended in a tie, according to complete but unofficial returns from the Allegheny County Elections Division for the Nov. 7 General Election.

The District 1 race for a four-year seat ended with Republican incumbent Paul Jorgensen and Democratic challenger Amy Giammattei each getting 216 votes. There were no write-ins.

Giammattei said she’s aware of provisional ballots being cast in the race, which she said drew an unprecedented turnout. A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there is some question of the voter’s eligibility.

“I am hopeful the outstanding provisional ballots will solve the tie,” she said in an email, “if not we will settle it with the elections office (with the time-honored method of dice.)”

Both Giammattei and Jorgenson thanked their supporters. Jorgenson said he was surprised, and yet not that the race ended in a tie.

“We expected it to be close. So, it’s a surprise, but not really — two good candidates. It was close and doesn’t get much closer than this. I just like the fact that people are engaged in the process,” he said.

Allegheny County spokeswoman Amie Downs said that the votes count is still still unofficial and must go before the county Return Board. Once the results are final, and if there is still a tie, the tie would be broken by casting lots.

Republican incumbent and Deputy Mayor Albert Kaan has a razor slim lead over Democratic challenger Nettie Owens at 209 votes to 207, respectively, in District 2. There were no write-in votes.

Republican incumbent and Mayor Darrin Krally earned 305 votes to Democratic challenger Emily Cook’s 268 votes in District 3. There were four write-in votes.

Democratic incumbent Sarah Hertweck defeated Republican challenger Luke Rayman 345 votes to 256 in District 4. There were no write-in votes.

A top issue in the race was preservation of green space against new development.

Brandice Miller ran unopposed for six-year and four-year terms as auditor.

Fox Chapel Herald editor Sandra Skowron contributed.