Latest news with #JasonMacBride
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Primary race too close to call: What happens next in the Ontario County DA battle?
Jason MacBride has taken the lead over the incumbent Ontario County District Attorney, James Ritts, in the Republican primary DA race, according to the county Board of Elections' unofficial results. MacBride received 2,179 votes after the polls closed on June 24, and Ritts received 2,064 votes. What does this mean, and what happens next in the race According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, over 4,000 Ontario County voters cast a ballot in the June 24, 2025, Primary Election. The unofficial election results that were posted after the polls closed represent the majority of the ballots cast by those voters, making up the in-person ballots, early voters and mail-in ballots, absentee, military and overseas voters, the county BOE said in a statement. These results also include 256 mail-in ballots (13 Democratic and 244 Republican) that the BOE received by June 22 and the 20 additional mail-in ballots (1 Democratic and 19 Republican), the board has received since then. As of June 25, the county board said they were still waiting on 361 ballots (20 Democratic and 341 Republican) that were mailed to county voters but not yet returned. The election results are not considered official until all ballots are received, counted and the results are certified. New York State's Election Law allows the county to continue receiving mail-in ballots through July 1, 2025. These ballots can only be added to the election results if they are postmarked on or before June 24, 2025. Every returned mail-in ballot will get reviewed by a bipartisan team before it is counted in the results, the Ontario County BOE said. The county board said it expects the tabulation of remaining mail-in and Affidavit Ballots to be completed by July 1. When the tabulation is completed, the county said the results will be certified, and the official 2025 Primary Election results will be released to the public. "The Board recognizes public interest in the outcomes of these election contests and the entire staff is working diligently to complete mandated post-election reviews, testing and audits as quickly as possible," the Ontario County Board of Elections wrote in a statement released on June 25. "We appreciate the public's patience as we complete this process." In a statement released after the votes were tallied Tuesday night, Ritts said the initial unofficial results "show us trailing by a very close 115-vote margin out of nearly 4,300 votes cast.' 'It is too early to concede the race, as we should wait for any standard review procedures by the Board of Elections, as well as additional absentee ballots to be received by mail in the coming days,' Ritts stated. According to the Ontario County BOE, NY Election Law 9-208 mandates a full manual recount of the ballots in elections with the margin of victory between candidates being less than .5 percent of votes or less than 20 votes. The county board stated that if any recounts are required, they will not be scheduled until the week of July 14. The unofficial results in the Ontario County DA primary that are currently posted on the BOE website still show a 115-vote margin victory between MacBride and Ritts. On Thursday MacBride posted an update to his FaceBook writing, "While the results are still unofficial and every vote must be counted, we stand by our message: Republican voters made it clear they want a District Attorney who is hardworking, respected across the criminal justice system, and committed to doing what's right for victims and for our community." MacBride said he remains patient and respectful of the election process. Both candidates will be on the general election ballot in November, regardless of the GOP primary result. Ritts has secured the Conservative Party line while MacBride secured the Truth and Justice line. To learn more about the electoral process, visit or call the Ontario County Board of Elections at 585-396-4005. — Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Primary race too close to call: What happens next in the Ontario County DA battle?
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
MacBride leads GOP primary for Ontario County DA; Ritts holds off on conceding
CANANDAIGUA, NY — Challenger Jason MacBride appears to have turned back incumbent Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts in the Republican primary for district attorney, according to unofficial results from the county Board of Elections. But the district attorney said the race is too close to call at this point. MacBride, who currently serves as an assistant county attorney, received 2,179 votes after the polls closed June 24. Ritts received 2,064 votes. In a statement released after the votes were tallied Tuesday night, Ritts said the initial unofficial results "show us trailing by a very close 115-vote margin out of nearly 4,300 votes cast.' 'It is too early to concede the race, as we should wait for any standard review procedures by the Board of Elections, as well as additional absentee ballots to be received by mail in the coming days,' Ritts stated. In launching his campaign in February, MacBride lcited concerns over an internal investigation into a controversial courthouse election night party that involved costumes, alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. MacBride, formerly Ritts' First Assistant DA, said the incident raised ethical concerns and motivated his candidacy. Ritts has defended the event, stating it was a long-standing tradition started by his predecessor and only became controversial during his re-election bid. Both candidates will be on the general election ballot in November regardless of the GOP primary result. Ritts has secured the Conservative Party line while MacBride secured the Truth and Justice line. Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Jason MacBride leads GOP primary for Ontario County DA over James Ritts
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ontario County GOP voters to decide DA primary June 24: What to know
Voting in the Republican primary for Ontario County District Attorney will take place on Tuesday, June 24, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all 44 county polling sites. According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, more than 29,000 registered Republicans are eligible to vote in the race between incumbent District Attorney James Ritts and challenger Jason MacBride, a career prosecutor. This high-profile contest has drawn attention since MacBride launched his campaign in February, citing concerns over an internal investigation into a controversial courthouse election night party that involved costumes, alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. MacBride, formerly Ritts' First Assistant DA, said the incident raised ethical concerns and motivated his candidacy. In a statement, he wrote: 'It is not silly for the public to expect their District Attorney to be truthful during an official investigation.' Ritts has defended the event, stating it was a long-standing tradition started by his predecessor and only became controversial during his re-election bid. This is the only countywide primary in Ontario County. Republican primaries are also being held in the towns of Farmington, Gorham, Naples, Phelps, and Richmond. James Ritts (Incumbent) First elected in 2017 as a Republican and Conservative. Previously served as First Assistant DA under R. Michael Tantillo. Ran unopposed in 2021, now seeking a third term. In a statement, Ritts said: 'Our 96% conviction rate and lowest dismissal rate in Western NY (4% compared to the statewide 14%) is a point of pride. I've recruited an amazing team to fight for victims, public safety, and justice for all.'' He pledged to continue expanding support for victims and maintaining Ontario County's reputation as a safe place to live and raise a family. Jason MacBride (Challenger) Currently serves as an Assistant County Attorney, prosecuting juvenile cases and advising child protection investigations. Has 21 years of prosecutorial experience, including felony cases such as homicides and child abuse. Formerly worked in both the Monroe and Ontario County DA's Offices. In his statement, MacBride emphasized restoring "ethical and effective leadership" and wrote: 'I lead by example through hard work, ingenuity, and partnering with others to best serve victims.' To verify your registration, party enrollment, or polling location, visit: Ontario County Voter Info Center NY State Voter Lookup Or call the Ontario County Board of Elections at 585-396-4005. Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ontario County GOP voters to decide DA primary June 24: What to know
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Primary day in Ontario County nears: What to know
CANANDAIGUA, NY — A Republican primary for Ontario County district attorney is grabbing the bulk of the headlines. According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, more than 29,000 GOP voters are eligible to vote in the race pitting Ontario County DA James Ritts against career prosecutor Jason MacBride. But residents in several towns in the county also will head to the polls June 24 to determine which candidates, ranging from town supervisor to highway superintendent races, will be on the general election ballot Nov. 4. According to the board, which has begun mailing primary election ballots to eligible military, overseas, permanently disabled, absentee and early mail voter applicants, one Democratic Party and eight Republican Party contests are on the June 24 election ballot. Here's what you should know. Republican Party voters in several towns will decide which candidates will represent their party on the November election ballot. They are: Farmington: Sean Murphy and Martin Halpin are running for highway superintendent. Voters choose one of two candidates. Gorham: Chase J. Brown and incumbents Philip Curtis and Brian Lazarus are running for town councilmember. Voters choose two of three candidates. Brandon Ayers and Keith D. Blaker are running for highway superintendent. Voters choose one of two candidates. Naples: Incumbent Benjamin S. Hanggi, Jody Diana Bendzlowicz and Timothy A. Stone are running for town councilmember. Voters choose two of three candidates. Phelps: Incumbent Bill Wellman and Douglas Smith are running for town supervisor. Voters choose one of two candidates. Philip Frere Jr. and William Poormon are running for town highway superintendent. Voters choose one of two candidates. Richmond: Mike Baker and incumbent Daryl Marshall are running for town supervisor. Voters choose one of two candidates. The only Democratic Party primary in the county will be held in the city of Geneva. Joseph S. Adulte and Esther Dickinson are running for Ontario County supervisor to represent Wards 5 and 6. Voters will choose one to appear on the Democratic Party ballot line in November. Eligible voters may cast their ballot by mail using an early vote by mail or absentee ballot, in-person on Election Day, June 24, or during the early voting period from June 14 through June 22. More information about the election and sample ballots are available at the Board of Elections website at Voters choosing to vote in person during Election Day will cast their ballots at their normal poll site from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 24. All 44 county poll sites will be open on Election Day. To learn more about the electoral process, review voter registration information or apply to become an election inspector, visit the Ontario County Board of Elections website at Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Primary day in Ontario County NY nears: What to know
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Over 90 elected positions in Ontario County up for grabs in 2025
CANANDAIGUA, NY — The presidential election of 2024 is long gone, but more than 90 city, town and county offices will appear on 2025 ballots when resident go to the polls for the general election in November. So far, incumbent Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts has announced he is seeking reelection to a four-year term, his third. Republican Jason MacBride, a career prosecutor and victim advocate, also has announced his candidacy for district attorney. Farmington resident and private-practice attorney Stefanie Barnes, a Republican, earlier in the year announced her candidacy for a 10-year term as Ontario County Court judge. Clerks from cities and towns have certified the public offices that will be elected in this year's upcoming general election. The full list of this year's 'Offices to Elect' is published at the Ontario County Board of Elections website at The city of Canandaigua residents will elect a mayor, four at-large city council members and a city judge. In the city of Geneva, the offices of mayor, four city council members, two city judges and three county supervisors need to be filled. In most of the county's 16 towns, the offices of supervisor, clerk/tax collector and highway superintendent, as well as at least two Town Board members, will be elected. Victor is the only town in the county without a supervisor election this year. Several towns will also elect justices. Should there be a need, the primary election will be held Tuesday, June 24. The general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 4. Residents who wish to run for elected office can seek candidate designation from the Democratic, Republican, Conservative and Working Families parties beginning Feb. 25. Candidates seeking office on an 'independent body' ballot line can begin their petitioning April 15. See the New York State Board of Elections website for more information about how to run for local elected office at Voters thinking about changing their political party enrollment should act before Feb. 14. Under state election law, political party change requests received from voters after Feb. 14 will not become effective until July 1. You can change your party enrollment online at the state Board of Elections Online Voter Registration portal at or by filling out and submitting a voter registration form. Printable forms can be found at both the state and Ontario County Board of Elections websites as well as post offices, government offices and libraries. To learn more about the electoral process or review your voter registration, visit the Ontario County Board of Elections website at For more information, you can contact the board by phone at 585-396-4005 or online at Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Over 90 elected positions in Ontario County NY up for grabs in 2025
