Kim Senkeleski: provisionally waiting.
By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
Prior statements by the candidate aside, it’s possible Tuesday night’s borough council election results didn’t spell the end of campaign ‘09 for Republican Kim Senkeleski after all.
Early Tuesday night, Senkeleski conceded to incumbent Democrats Art Murphy and top vote-getter Mike DuPont.
But the Asbury Park Press reported later in the evening that Senkeleski was considering a ballot recount because she had narrowed the gap.
Senkeleski denied that report when contacted by redbankgreen later that night.
But she changed her tune when she posted a comment yesterday on redbankgreen’s election story, writing that because provisional ballots have yet to be counted, she will not admit defeat.
As of Wednesday, the tally of votes, including absentee ballots, looked like this, according to the Monmouth County government website: DuPont, 1,503; Murphy, 1,487; Senkeleski, 1,455; and Republican Rob Lombardi, 1,372.
With 32 votes separating her and Murphy for the second of two seats open on the council, Senkeleski said Wednesday that the count of provisional ballots would dictate whether she pushes for a recount.
Neither she nor deputy borough clerk Pamela Hughes Borghi knew how many provisional ballots there were to count.
But former Red Bank Mayor Ed McKenna, who heads the local Democratic party, said because of the questionable validity of provisional ballots, they’re often thrown out. Provisional ballots are typically for voters whose names don’t appear on election registration rolls or whose eligibility to vote is in question.
“In Red Bank, our history is that they have not been counted, they’ve been disqualified,” McKenna said.
And the ones that are counted, he said, usually are split between parties. If that’s the case when Red Bank’s provisional ballots are counted, that would seal a win for Murphy.
“It’s not a major concern to us,” McKenna said.
Not been counted, just thrown out? Wow
Is *just throw ‘em out* the “official” process for provisionals? “How many of the absentee ballots are just *thrown out* and under what criteria ? Are representatives of both parties there when processing or throwing out the above?
Good old Boss McKenna. Is there anyone who still doubts how Red Bank is REALLY governed?
It will be interesting to see what job McKenna is given by Corzin, before Christi takes over. Hopefully, McKenna will be taken off his Governor appointed position of “Chairman of the NJ Planning Commission.” That may slow down the redevelopment in Red Bank. Ya just have to remember that Murphy & Mckenna are great buds, even play golf together so, with Murphy, the developer combined with Dupont, McKennas law partner, it will be interesting to see what happens. Of course, then theres Mr. Sickels, who covers for the dirty work that Murphy wants done.
y’all just tie yourselves in knots with your simmering partisan rage.
Angry Mob Supplies for sale….
Of course there is also the appointed by Corzine *Czar* Zaro to NJ state economic development-from the law firms of eminent domain with much influence in the state superior and Supreme court. Haven’t heard a peep since he was appointed, maybe well hear a peep when Christie takes over.
who is the authority holding these absentee ballots and provisionals ?
Why is that person not held responsible for the official documents?
Is it a federal crime to alter these documents or make false statemtns?
I believe the state prosecutor should be notified. Seriously!. This is illegal if it is being done and people can go to jail.
Who is responsible for this stuff. It has never been stated.
I hope there is no corruption in this as this web page states but someone in charge of the polling /voting process needs to explain this and show documentation of where these ballots are located. If they are thrown out-who gave the authority to do so and is it a crime worth prosecution by the state.
Despite King Ed’s assertion, as a resident *I am* concerned. If provisionals are thrown away, why the farce of their existence in the first place?
My cynical side doesn’t trust the jettisoning of these votes. My other cynical side thinks this is a form of malfeasance, a Dem insurance policy if you will. And I thought electoral fraud was illegal.
No matter.
Kim - which ever way this ends up, please know that you’ve got another humble volunteer looking to help maintain the GOP/independent message 12 months a year henceforth. To that end, count me in for organizational support while we raise hell to save our town.
-CFG
Maybe Mike Dupont’s budgetary math (a.k.a the ‘new math’) works both ways, so the Dems can claim that this 2% margin is actually an 8% margin.
Mike is one of the good guys.
Dont let his Party affiliation fool you.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. No scandals here. When our former mayor says “thrown out,” he is speaking figuratively.
As I understand it, a provisional ballot is only cast when the poll workers have reason to believe that a person is not eligible to vote (usually because that person is not in those books of registered voters that we all sign before voting). Of course, the Democratic and Republican poll watchers observe the whole process.
Provisional ballots are then reviewed (yes, in the presence of a Democrat and a Republican). If it is found that the voter is not eligible (not properly registered, a convicted felon, whatever), the provisional ballot is “thrown out.”
It’s not surprising that most provisional ballots are thrown out, since they’re only used when poll workers think the voter is ineligible.
If someone with more knowledge of the process would like to correct any mistakes I’ve made, that would help us all.
Concerned:
“Thrown Out” is just the term used when a ballot is not counted. It does not mean they are thrown in the trash.
In Bush vs. Gore ballots with “hanging chads” were “thrown out”.
Both sides will have an opportunity to review thee provisional ballots and make any appeals to the election commission or bring legal action.
Once again-Artie Murphy or Mike Dupont or Ed McKenna or campaign manager of the democrat party-answer the question because I know you follow this website-are you willing to stand up and be responsible for the legitimacy of these provisionals and absentee ballots?
We hear from Kim on this site ,which is mostly republicans and independents but I do know for certain that they follow it passionately but never participate - help us believe in the final outcom and do the right thing rather than political shuffling all the time.
I am sick and tired of this site bashing the democratic council and without formal response to the people of red bank it must be because there is something to hide.
If you believe in your openness and honesty to the voters then respond.
If you don’t then I am sure we will take that as a sign that there is funny business going on.
If officials lected by the people don’t defend themselves then how can I continue to support your silent position on strong accusations by the voters?????
Help me help you -if not ,I’m done and should have voted the other way this last election not because I want to but I no longer believe in you all.
JPM, Great comment and well said! That sounds like it should be a letter to the editor.
When RedBankGreen first began there were just a handful of commentators on this website that “got it”. People like Padrone, Ditch Waverly, etc. knew that the McKenna plan was to overrun the town with high-density development.
This was just another page out of felon John Lynch’s playbook. All one needed to do was look at the RB Dems campaign contributions and their relationship to all of Lynch’s clients.
Our town is just one of many in the Lynch/Norcross/Ferriero arsenal. Their weapons of choice are things like “blight”,”COAH”, “Smart Growth”, “eminent domain”, “Transit Village, etc.
If Lynch had not been caught, I believe that McKenna would still be our mayor.
To my original point, it is nice to see that many others now get it. But, a lot of damage has been done and will continue at least in the near future. There are dozens of planning and zoning board approvals that are out there awaiting the economic turnaround.
There are the recent decisions of the affordable housing zones and transit village that will change Red Bank forever. Not too many people came out to object or demand a stop to it.
All politics is local. If the authors here could translate their legitimate gripes and questions into actual bodies at the council and planning meetings on a repetitive basis, then maybe we could actually do something.
There are a bevy of issues that could easily turn the tide for next year’s mayoral issue. Somebody or some group has to step to the plate here.
If not, there is no reason to keep on complaining.
Yes a clear statement would be great (not lawyer spin). A clear statement on the vote for Dagget Robocalls made by the democratic headquarters would also be great.
Yes, JPM, nice comment. I think the town is regarding RBG as the de facto platform for debate, so it is very disturbing that there is so little (if any) official representation here. In this day and age, there’s no reason a truly engaged administration can’t communicate with residents daily, or at least a few times a week on issues so critical. If you’re not up to it, why did you run? If you’re not interested in what residents think, why did you run? Indeed.
Maybe we are a little one sided here, I and wish there were more Dems on this board posting for a better debate and possibly some actual answers.
Maybe informally request that we hear from the administration at least a few times a week for some honest back and forth with residents. Someone should propose this at a council meeting.
I don’t think our overpriced new web site is adequate, because I want real back and forth debate, not some prefab, static, canned statement. we already know the party line in most cases. Maybe you’re right, maybe that’s what they’re afraid of. How do we know? If we have to drop the pseudonyms and forgo anonymity, then so be it. I’ll do it. Things would probably get more cordial, but I’d submit that fewer touchy areas get the exploration they deserve.
I’m not here just to gripe, but that’s all it seems I find myself doing. I’m here for facts, and I’m here to get my position on issues out. I’m here to be the informed electorate. I want an administration who’s just as engaged and involved.
Council needs to understand that their silence here gives us reason to suspect that transparency and indifference are very real issues. I will continue to feel so until I see some participation here.
JPM-
If the 45% of the people who have voted Republican in the elections that have determined the current make-up of the Borough Council had any formal representation, I think people would be less cynical. - And take away the Obama coat-tails (even with the Christie coat-tails) and you will find that probably 48% of the people tend to vote Republican.
Here is the question I will would like one of these guys to answer: Do you think it is right that 45%+ of the population have no representation in a six person council? If so, why? If not, what are you going to do to fix this problem? Hell, I would love to hear Red Bank Green put this question to these folks?
The system does not have to operate this way. In other places, it does not operate this way. If we continue to operate this way, we should take that “inclusive” sign and toss it right in the river.
JPM,
If the 45% of the people who have voted Republican in the elections that have determined the current make-up of the Borough Council had any formal representation, I think people would be less cynical. - And take away the Obama coat-tails (even with the Christie coat-tails) and you will find that probably 48% of the people tend to vote Republican.
Here is the question I will would like one of these guys to answer: Do you think it is right that 45%+ of the population have no representation in a six person council? If so, why? If not, what are you going to do to fix this problem? Hell, I would love to hear Red Bank Green put this question to these folks?
The system does not have to operate this way. In other places, it does not operate this way. If we continue to operate this way, we should take that “inclusive” sign and toss it right in the river.
JPM, Bummed RedBanker and tomatosauce,
What do you want Murphy or McKenna or anyone else to say about provisional ballots? The only thing the Democratic Party has to do with those ballots is to observe the processing of the ballots (along with an observer from the Republican Party), and complain/sue if they don’t like the processing.
McKenna observed that in the past, most provisional ballots are ruled ineligible (”thrown out”). He did not say the Democratic party was handling those ballots, or was throwng any ballots in the trash.
No conspiracy. Move along.
I would like to see responses from the Dems on this site, because I find it amusing to watch the fur fly (who doesn’t miss the old McKenna/Curley dust-ups?). But if I were on the council, I probably wouldn’t comment on council business on this site. Council business is already conducted in public. In theory, anyway.
Although it would be nice to hear answers from elected officials on this site, I think the hesitation is understandable. Whether or not you believe what you read here on RBG, our current council is bashed at nearly every opportunity. Most often this is done by nameless people. I do believe that each of our votes needs be be earned, not by ‘favors’ but by fair, open representation. It appears to me that most posters here do not feel that they receive that from the council. Why not go to the council meetings and address them face to face?
Mike,
The majority of voters in NJ are Democrats, and will soon have no representation in the Governor’s office. That’s the way it goes in our republic. Citizens are free to vote for whichever candidate they want, regardless of party.
The idea that having a Democrat in office means that Republicans are not represented is incredibly partisan. And almost nonsensical at the local level, where party labels don’t seem to mean much when it comes to decision-making.
I thought Curley raising hell was a good thing when he was a Democrat and when he was a Republican. And I think it would be good to have someone on the council who wasn’t hand-picked by McKenna. But it’s not a Democrat-Republican thing for me.
Way back when McKenna was running as a Republican, I believe we had primaries for the council races. I’d like to see that come back.
I have been a democrat my whole life, but I voted for Kim. I thought she could make a difference. Now its the same old, same old BS.
Dan-
This is basic stuff. You manage to get all of the hard to find facts and stats yet you can’t even point out your own shoes.
The Executive (President, Governor, Mayor) is supposed to be a selection of the majority. This is one person elected by the entire voting population. I understand that this is how it goes. But this is not what I am talking about.
The Legislature (Congress, Assembly, Council) is supposed to reflect the make-up of the people. We often vote in district or wards to ensure this happens. This is done at the Federal, State and some locals levels. Sometimes like in Red Bank they are elected by the entire population. Districts are wards are used less often at the local level except where diverse pockets of people live. Sound familiar?
Using an executive position to prove your point in an argument about something that equates to a legislative body makes your point beyond absurd.
And to say party labels at the local level don’t seem to mean much when it comes to decision making might be true in other places. But if you are going to tell me that it is true here in Red Bank, I’m going to go tell you to go sell crazy somewhere else. Or say hello to your little green friends.
Meant “districts or wards”
Can you give me an example of a town as small as Red Bank dividing into wards? I’ve seen it done in large cities, where each ward is larger than Red Bank, but never in a town.
It’s not a bad idea, but I’m not convinced that tiny wards are going to work well.
No conspiracy?, move along? not likely. My question was simple. Who oversees the provisional and absentee ballots?
Provisionals- a chosen republican in the employ of the Town or a member of the opposing party?.
Absentee ballots- Since the receiving of such ballots start well before the actual election, who oversees the selective process of those ballots before and after? a chosen “republican” or a republican member of the opposing camp, and where are those ballots held? - Maybe you could answer clearly without patronizing or belittling citizens here. (I know its hard if you are part of the Tomatocratic machine)
Tomatosauce, I think you should take that question to the next council meeting.
There are many reasons citizens choose to remain anonymous when in opposition to politically connected law
firms in NJ and party bosses. For one thing in NJ there are no anti-Slapp laws which would defend anyone against the massive Cartel of law firms protecting their own interests.
The best way to fight cronyism, corruption, transparency issues is to get informed, connect the dots, recognize the psycho babble spin by self interest groups, join a growing movement and then vote.
Provisional ballots are sealed in an envelope and place in the provisional ballot bag. At the end of the polling day, the provisional ballots are inventoried by the poll workers, and the ballot bag is sealed and sent to the Monmouth County Commissioner of Registration. In Monmouth County, that Commissioner is the Superintendent of Elections, Ms. Hedra Siskel (http://www.njelections.org/loc_officials_doe.html#monm). After the Supt. of Elections unseals the ballot bag, the County Board of Elections decides if the voter is eligible.
The County Board of Elections is also charged with counting absentee ballots.
The County Board of Elections consists of two Democrats and two Republicans chosen by their respective party and appointed by the Governor for a term of two years. The members for Monmouth County are:
Leah Falk, Chairwoman/Commissioner
Norine Kelly, Secretary/Commissioner
Jo-Ann Dinan, Commissioner
Karen Haines, Commissione
Apparently, Haines and Kelly are the Republicans (http://gop-of-mc.blogspot.com/2006/05/board-of-elections.html).
As you can see, neither Murpy nor McKenna nor any member of the Red Bank Democratic Party plays any role in the handling of provisional or absentee ballots.
The one question I can’t answer is how many provisional ballots are ruled ineligible. For that, you’ll have to call the County Board of Elections: 732-431-7150. If you call tomorrow, maybe you can actually go watch the provisional ballots being unsealed and canvassed, if it hasn’t already been done. In general, you’ll probably get better answers to all your questions by calling them than posting on a blog.
Sorry you found my earlier response incomplete, and that you found my attempt at levity to be patronizing and belittling.
For those interested in reading the actual rules on provisional ballots, start at http://law.onecle.com/new-jersey/19-elections/53c-1.html and you can go through all the sections using the links at the bottom of the page.
For rules on County Board of Elections, start at:
http://law.onecle.com/new-jersey/19-elections/6-17.html
Thank you for the information. It is a shame that board of election members are appointed by the governor rather than voted on or selected by the parties in opposition. The board of election seems to be under the watch of the State Attorney General, another appointed position that has shown repeatedly to not pursue official corruption in NJ at all. power of influence by political powers in NJ should never be underestimated. Unless we are to believe that corruption and voter fraud is non-existent in NJ?
I guess I wasn’t clear. The County Board of Elections members are selected by their own party (”the chairman and vice-chairlady of each county committee and the State committeeman and State committeewoman”). The Governor then appoints the people selected by the party. I can’t find any spcific relationship between the Attorney General and the County Boards of Election, but I guess the AG watches over us all.
Will Jennifer Beck be running against Frank Pallone our 8 term congressman in 2010? The incumbents are certainly shaken right now but not stirred.
Wally Street
Jen Beck against Pallone the Drone..I love it!
Pallone’s arrogance, and lack of regard for the people he represents is disgraceful. And anyone who stood next to Corslime this past election should be booted out for sure.
What can we do to make that happen?
Wally - “shaken but not stirred”, love it.