Write-in ballots may make a difference in Gilpin supervisors race

A Gilpin supervisors race may come down to write-in ballots.

Unofficial returns from the Armstrong County Election Bureau indicate Republican Kevin Miller defeated Democrat Charles Minnich for a four-year seat.

Miller received 279 votes to Minnich’s 213. There were 66 unresolved write-in votes as of Thursday. If all of the remaining write-ins go to Minnich, the pair would be tied at 279.

“It will be pretty tight for me to win, but it’s a possibility,” he said. “We were both at the polls all day. Kevin’s a great guy. I wish him all the luck. I wish all the supervisors luck and wisdom in their decisions. If I’m not successful, that’s fine. I made the effort.”

County officials did not return multiple messages seeking comment.

Miller, a Kalmar Chevrolet salesman, said he is confident the official numbers will solidify Wednesday’s results.

“I’m just thankful for the people that did come out and vote,” Miller said. “I’m excited and ready to get after it. I’m just looking forward to getting with the supervisors that are there now and putting our ideas together and doing some good things for the township

Both Minnich and Miller are longtime township residents and have families with adult children.

Both had no previous political experience.

Both said their opponent ran a fair and professional campaign.

“Everything was friendly,” Miller said. “It was good. I like that there was no bashing. It was a good race. No problems on my end or his end.”

Minnich, a construction project manager and journeyman carpenter, said he and Miller exchanged friendly banter along the campaign trail.

“We all got along great,” Minnich said. “We talked about cars and motorcycles.”

Mail-in ballot results may come in as quickly as Thursday evening.

Republican incumbent Jeremy Smail ran unopposed for a six-year seat.

“I think voting is a big thing,” Miller said. “Sometimes people want to complain, but if you don’t come out and vote how can you complain? At least try to make a difference.”