Politics & Government

Dovilla is 'Optimistic' He Will Hold Onto Lead

With only 340 votes separating candidates, provisional ballots could swing state rep race

 

State Rep. Mike Dovilla ended Election Night ahead of challenger Matt Patten.

But the narrow margin -- 340 votes -- means it's too soon to celebrate a victory.

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With 1,930 provisional ballots still uncounted in the 7th District -- as well as absentee votes still coming in -- the race could still go either way.

"We're cautiously optimistic at this point," Dovilla said. "We think it will break our way."

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It's one of several ballot issues that remains undecided, including , which is now winning by 3 votes.

Provisional ballots are expected to be counted Friday, Nov. 16, Dovilla said.

They will determine whether the Republican incumbent wins a second term or if Democrat Patten, who served one term in the statehouse from 2009-2010, returns.

The ballots stack up like this: Strongsville, 698; North Royalton, 488; Berea, 356; Olmsted Township, 242; Olmsted Falls, 146.

Provisional ballots are issued when the eligibility of a voter at the polls is in question.

"The way we figure it, he (Patten) would need almost 60 percent of the vote to close the margin," Dovilla said.


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