Ballots that had arrived by last Friday’s cutoff date were counted yesterday in Beek Beek Ward, Benbenjie Ward and Briars Ward, giving an indication of two clear winners, and one close race.
Those votes (Group A) made up the bulk of expected votes with the final batch, those signed and dated no later than 25 October, and received by midday Friday 1 November (Group B) expected to be counted for the three wards on Wednesday 6 November.
In Beek Beek Ward, the Group A results were 5515 votes for incumbent councillor Kate Roper, and 2709 for Lavinia Jenkin, meaning Kate Roper will continue her role as a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor.
Roper told The News “I’d like to thank the community for recognising the work i put in since i won the byelection and putting their trust in me to continue working for the new Ward”.
“I also have a few committed supporters who helped me get there, so I thank them for having faith in my commitment to community.”
Things are tighter in Benbenjie Ward where the Group A results were Max Patton 3908 votes, Peter Clarke 3632 votes and Dinka Jakovac 642 votes.
It appears likely Patton will become the councillor for Benbenjie Ward, with Peter Clarke saying “While I polled about 46% of the primary vote and there are still votes to be counted I think it unlikely that I will be successful”.
“I appreciate all the support I was shown from the ratepayers that voted for me and the many who assisted with the campaign.”
“Best wishes to those who are elected to the Mornington Peninsula Shire who will be trusted to take our community forward.”
In Briars Ward, where incumbents Despi O’Connor and Anthony Marsh were battling it out, Group A results showed a strong win for Marsh with 6672 votes to O’Connor’s 2666 votes. The wide margin puts the result beyond doubt.
Marsh told The News “With immense joy, I’m so excited to announce that I’ve just been re-elected to represent our incredible Mount Martha (Briars Ward) community on council”.
“Thanks to all those who have provided their unwavering support and to every resident who voted for me – It means the world to me.”
Extraction of Group A ballot papers and counting will be conducted today (Wednesday 30 October) for Brokil Ward, Coolart Ward and Kackeraboite Ward. Tomorrow, Group A ballots from Moorooduc Ward, Nepean Ward and Tanti Ward will be counted and Friday will see Tootgarook Ward and Warringine Ward Group A ballots counted.