Newcastle Election Committee faces challenges over ballot errors and candidate eligibility

Lawrence County officials are addressing significant discrepancies in election results following a recent commissioner's meeting held on July 1, 2025. The discussions centered around issues related to candidate Joan Conti's nominating petitions, which have raised concerns about the accuracy of the election process.

During the meeting, it was revealed that Conti was incorrectly listed on the ballot for a precinct where she does not reside, leading to confusion about her election results. The issue stems from errors in her nominating petition, where the precinct numbers were mismatched. This has resulted in her being recorded as a winner in a district where she should not have been eligible to run. The commissioners acknowledged that this was a simple error that could have been corrected if identified earlier.

The meeting also highlighted broader concerns regarding the verification process for write-in candidates. Several discrepancies were noted, including missing names and incomplete records that hindered the ability to certify the election results accurately. The commissioners emphasized the need for complete and accurate documentation to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

In response to these issues, the commissioners encouraged further discussions with election officials to clarify the verification policies and to address the errors in the election records. They stressed the importance of resolving these discrepancies promptly, as they impact the upcoming reorganization meeting and the legitimacy of the election outcomes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to rectify these issues and ensure that all candidates are accurately represented in future elections. The commissioners plan to follow up with election officials to ensure that the necessary corrections are made and that the electoral process remains transparent and trustworthy for the community.