Schools

Date for North Bellmore School District special election set

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North Bellmore School District officials are asking voters to return to the polls in less than two weeks for a runoff election to break an unprecedented tie for a Board of Education seat.

Administrators announced last week on the district’s website that incumbent Trustee JoAnn DeLauter and Frank LaMagra will square off a second time on June 25. Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Newbridge Road Elementary School.

The district includes North Bellmore and a small part of North Merrick.

The candidates tied in the May 21 vote, each garnering 799 votes. LaMagra said that DeLauter had beaten him in the first count, 800 to 799 votes. He noted that, because the race was so close, officials recounted the ballots three times. Assistant Superintendent for Business Mark Schissler explained that, in accordance with state law, the candidates must face off in this month’s runoff to decide who will take the last board seat next year.

Officials added that absentee ballots are available in the district office at Martin Avenue Elementary School, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voters may obtain absentee ballots by printing the forms from the district’s website or picking them up in the office.

Absentee ballots should be mailed to the district clerk at 2616 Martin Ave. by June 18.

Any registered North Bellmore District voter is permitted to vote again, Schissler said.