Election results stand despite heavy write-ins

CANTON — Write-in campaigns in Potsdam and Russell have failed to alter election results.

The St. Lawrence County Board of Elections finished counting write-in ballots Monday, according to Democratic Commissioner Jennie H. Morrill.

The unofficial results show that write-in campaigns pulled in strong results but didn't topple election winners in the town of Russell. Incumbent Richard L. Knox, a Republican, garnered 206 write-in votes for Russell town supervisor, finishing second ahead of fellow Republican Edward D. Whiteford, who had 109 votes. Democrat Robert C. Best Jr. won that race, with 248 votes.

In the Russell Town Council race, Evah A. Foster received 185 write-in votes, enough to best independent Christopher Kelley, who won 136 votes, but not enough for a seat on the board. Democrat Sandra J. Burnham and Republican Carol Coller won the two open seats in that race, with 356 and 251 votes, respectively.

Lee E. Lamere received 128 write-in votes for Russell town justice. That wasn't enough to beat Democrat Margaret Pike, who had 333 votes.

In the Potsdam village trustee race, Karl T. Ortmeyer received 136 votes in his write-in campaign. Democrats Stephen J. Warr and Ruth F. Garner won seats on the village board with 728 and 472 votes, respectively.

Mr. Ortmeyer also received several write-in votes for Potsdam Town Council and one for state Supreme Court justice. Ms. Morrill said a few people wrote in votes for Jason, Thomas and Edward Ortmeyer, though it's unclear whether they were intended for Karl.