The Latest Regarding Witherspoon – Parker Freeholder Election

We reported last week that New Jersey Superior Court Assignment Judge Julio Mendez would hold a hearing today with Thelma Witherspoon and Andrew Parker to review next steps in the contest phase of their November 3, 2020 election.

Here’s the latest news.

It was a razor thin outcome, complicated by the fact that Atlantic County Clerk Ed McGettigan made an unfortunate ballot error.

It resulted in 554 voters being disenfranchised.

The final election tally ended with 15,019 for Witherspoon and 14.730 for Parker - for a difference of only 289 votes.

I have spoken with Parker. He confirmed that both parties will meet next week and choose a trial date for after the holidays.

I have also confirmed that Parker will request that Witherspoon not take the Freeholder seat until the challenge is resolved.

There was near agreement that the next step should be a one day hearing. However, the Atlantic County Democrats may want to call experts to testify.

This would extend it to a two-day hearing.

We’ll keep you posted with any new developments.