The election results certified by the Board of Elections Nov. 17 showed Democrat Ellen Frost with a 13 vote win over Republican Christina Kelley G. Merrill in the District 2 race for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Frost sent out the below message to supporters via her campaign’s email newsletter. Meanwhile, Merrill has said she’s planning to request a recount and is considering mounting a legal challenge to some of the votes from Warren Wilson residents included in the total.
Friends,
Words can not possibly convey the debt of gratitude I feel to each and everyone of you in my candidacy for Buncombe County Commissioner. Thanks to you, we were successful. The terrific outcome is proof that every phone call, every door knocked, and every voter that was touched as they walked into the poling place to cast their vote was thanks to your hard work.
Thanks to you, the Buncombe County Commission will maintain a democratic majority. We will be working hard together at striving for the best education for our children, creating living wage jobs, and protecting our environment .
The election was won by just 13 votes. Our opposition is asking for a recount and there are also rumblings about legal challenges. Folks, it was amazing listening to comments made on canvass day–our opposition doesn’t want to allow the votes of Warren Wilson students and faculty to count, and some even said students should not be allowed to vote on local issues! We talk about keeping talented students in the area, but how can we keep them here if we don’t encourage their voice? We need to stand strong and make sure the students and faculty of Warren Wilson have their voting rights preserved.
Once again, I am asking for your help to be ready to stand with me in case we have legal challenges. I humbly ask for your strength and, yes, financial support if we need to go forward with a court case. There is too much at stake to let this election result be taken away .We know if we stand together and work hard we can accomplish anything.
Thank you–we won!!!!
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