Final counts in close Philadelphia races begin Friday

The official vote count from Tuesday’s primary will begin later this week in Philadelphia. Two races could hinge on absentee and provisional ballots.

The Second District Council race and the Republican race for Philadelphia Mayor still close enough that uncounted absentee and provisional ballots could determine the winner. Bob Lee of the Philadelphia City Commissioners said the unofficial numbers are tallied on Election Night, but the official count begins Friday with a re-reading of each voting machine cartridge.

“There will be another group of employees opening absentee ballots that were received before five o’clock Friday,” said Lee.

Joe Lynch of the commissioners said absentee ballots could play a part in the Kenyatta Johnson, Barbara Capozzi match-up in the second councilmatic district Democratic primary.

“There were 158 ballots returned in that district the second councilmatic district and six alternative ballots,” Lynch said.

The problem is until they are opened, it isn’t known whether they are Democratic or Republican ballots.