Ellis holds 7-vote lead in Charleroi mayor’s race

Twelve write-in ballots will determine if she defeats Republican Ernest Merritt.

Charleroi voters returned four familiar faces to borough council Tuesday and appeared to elevate one of them — Nancy J. Ellis — to the mayor’s office in one of the borough’s tightest races in recent memory.

With all four precincts reporting, unofficial results from the Washington County Elections Office showed Ellis holding a slim lead over Republican challenger Ernest Merritt in the mayoral race, earning 296 votes (49.58%) to Merritt’s 289 (48.41%). Twelve write-in votes were cast, accounting for 2.01% of the 597 ballots — enough in such a close race that they could still determine the final outcome once totals are verified and certified by election officials.

Merritt said he prefers to hold off on making a comment until the results are finalized.

Ellis’s narrow lead in the mayor’s race capped a strong night for incumbents across the borough.

In the six-way contest for four council seats, Democratic incumbent Paul Pivovarnik led with 316 votes (18.32%), followed by Ellis with 298 (17.28%), Republican incumbent Larry Celaschi with 287 (16.64%), and Republican incumbent Joseph “Joe” Smith with 282 (16.35%). Republican Lorraine Smith finished with 277 votes (16.06%), while Republican Deborah M. Devigne received 253 (14.67%).

Twelve write-in votes were also recorded in that race, a small number but still enough to potentially influence the order of finish in such a closely contested field.

Pivovarnik said he’s grateful for the continued support from voters.

“I just want to thank everyone who supported me for reelection and all the help I received to achieve that,” he said.

Ellis said she does not want to call the mayoral race until all votes are finalized, noting that her decision on which office to take will depend on the certified results.

A former mayor of the borough, she said she is hopeful to once again represent Charleroi in that capacity but is also humbled by her election to borough council.

“I have always believed in the will of the people, and I am just honored, and truly humbled to receive the support I have received,” she said. “I will always be for Charleroi, regardless of the title I hold — elected or otherwise. I am just so grateful for the support I have received to represent our borough.”

Celaschi complimented several of his fellow candidates.

“The results are still unofficial, but I want to take a moment to congratulate Councilman Paul Pivovarnik and Councilman Joe Smith on being elected to two of the four borough council seats,” he said. “I also want to recognize and commend three new candidates. Ernie Merritt, Debbie DeVigne, and Lorraine Smith, for having the courage and commitment to step forward, put their names on the ballot, and fight for a better Charleroi. That takes heart, integrity, and true dedication to this community.

As for Nancy Ellis, I will be addressing her situation and making a formal statement at a press conference once the election results are official.”

Lorraine Smith, who finished just outside the top four, thanked voters and said she plans to stay engaged in local government.

“I just wanted to thank the voters for coming out or the mail-in votes I received,” she said. “These numbers signify that there is truly a need for change in Charleroi. But I’m not going to sit by and be quiet. I want to continue to encourage the voters to hold those in charge accountable and to be transparent. I will continue to attend council meetings and also encourage others to attend and to be the voice for the community that we care about.”

Because Ellis secured top finishes in both the mayoral and council races, if she accepts her bid for mayor, her council position would then become vacant, prompting an appointment by borough council when members reorganize in January.

Newly elected council members will be sworn in at the borough’s reorganization meeting in January, when they’ll set priorities and elect leadership.

Election results are considered unofficial until they are reviewed and certified by the county election bureau.