WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education election was simply too close to call election night, but the unofficial results, as of Nov. 9, show that Cheryl Merklinger and Terry Trigg-Scales will take the two open seats on the BOE.
In this very close race, with just three challengers running for the two open seats, there are only 220 votes separating first and third place.
All results from the Nov. 6 election remain unofficial until certified by County Clerk Christopher Durkin.
According to the Essex County Clerk’s Office website, Cheryl Merklinger received 8,168 votes, or 33.7 percent, and Terry Trigg-Scales received 8,059 votes, or 33.25 percent. Jeremias Salinas was in a very close third with 7,948 votes, or 32.79 percent. There were 61 write-in votes.
As per a Nov. 9 phone conversation with Durkin, two West Orange machines have yet to have their votes recorded. These machines may or may not have actually been used, but must be checked for votes regardless.
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