Trustee Nail-Biter: 1 vote now separates Elfmann, Papadatos in Northfield

Every vote counts, as evidenced in the race for seats on the Northfield Village Board.

With more than 60 ballots added post-election night, as of Monday, April 7, Edwin Elfmann has overtaken Pamela Papadatos by a single vote (835-834) for the third and final available spot on the Village Board.

Hold tight, though. The count is not over.

Mail-in ballots may still be coming and are eligible as long as they were postmarked by Election Day, April 1, and are received by Tuesday, April 15, according to the Cook County Clerk’s Office.

After Election Day voting, Papadatos held a six-vote lead (804-798) on Elfmann for third place in the race. Incumbent Matthew Galin and fellow Northfield Caucus pick Andrew Juedes led the way that night and continue to lead the way with 952 and 917 votes, respectively, as of April 7.

Papadatos is the owner of Metamorphosis Spa in Northfield, and Elfmann works in government policy and is backed by the caucus.

Mail-in votes have until Tuesday, April 15, to arrive, said Frank Herrera, director of communications for the clerk’s office. He said the county does not offer automatic recounts; however, in close races, a candidate within 5% of the winning total may request a recount at his or her expense.

In the race for village president, Tracey Mendrek continues to hold a substantial lead on fellow Trustee Charles Orth. Her lead is 97 (811-714) as of Monday, April 7, up six votes from Election Day.

The 1,542 votes cast out of Northfield as of Monday make for a 32.02% turnout of registered voters.

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