Long Beach Council Declares Winner in Disputed Race
Despite increasing evidence of voting irregularities, the Long Beach City Council late Tuesday night declared Laura Richardson-Batts the winner of the 6th District race against Dee Andrews.
Richardson-Batts’ lead dwindled from 19 votes to six in the June 6 election after a recount and review of the balloting by the city attorney’s office disqualified some votes, including those from eight people who voted twice.
Andrews’ supporters also contend that registered voters in a square block of the 6th Council District received ballots for a council district race other than their own. How many received the wrong ballots has not yet been determined.
Bruce Dybens, Andrews’ attorney, asked the City Council to order a new election instead of certifying the results. But City Atty. Bob Shannon told council members that they were required by law to certify the election and leave the ultimate decision to Superior Court.
Andrews, whose supporters filled the council chambers, said Wednesday that there are substantial questions surrounding the vote and that he is preparing a lawsuit to halt the installation of Richardson-Batts and force a new election.
“What we have seen so far may just be the tip of the iceberg,” Andrews said. “If we have to go all the way to the Supreme Court, we will do it.”
The contest was conducted to find a successor for Doris Topsey-Elvord, who has served the maximum number of terms.
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