Following a count of provisional and absentee ballots, the Orange County Board of Elections determined Mark Dorosin held nine votes over Penny Rich on Thursday evening.

The votes totals remain unofficial. The results will be made official Friday morning when the board meets again to approve the results and will send them to the State Board of Elections to be certified.

Rich and Dorosin were in a deadlock following Election Night on March 3 for the second seat in the race for District 1 of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Having been separated by only nine votes in Rich’s favor, Dorosin pulled ahead by a net 18 votes being counted on Thursday.

Rich initially increased her lead with the provisional ballot count, earning 19 votes to Dorosin’s 9. But in absentee ballots, Dorosin earned 129 votes to Rich’s 101.

Dorosin shared a statement with Chapelboro following the results on Thursday.

I’m delighted that I will have the opportunity to continue my work on the [board] to make civil rights and social justice the priority in all county decision making. If nothing else, this election is a reminder that every single vote matters. Of course, Penny can request a recount, which would be reasonable given how close the vote is. Either way, it’s disappointing that we won’t be working together for another term. A million thanks to everyone that supported the campaign. I will work hard and make you proud.

Challenger candidate Jean Hamilton beat both incumbents on Election Night for the initial District 1 seat, winning 37 percent of the votes. In the at-large county commissioners race, Amy Fowler beat incumbent Mark Marcoplos for the lone available seat.

Dorosin has served on the board for two terms. Rich, who is currently serving as the chair, has also been on the board for two terms.

Rich will finish her current term on the Board of Orange County Commissioners in November.

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