Gogebic county election Canvassing changes.

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP – A declared write-in candidate won a trustee seat in Bessemer Township following the Gogebic County Board of Canvassing certification of the general election results on Tuesday.  There were two trustee seats on the ballot in the township, and while incumbent Beverly Ikola retained hers without opposition, there was no second candidate. The canvassers awarded 30 write-in ballots to Sue Roberts, who was a declared write-in candidate for trustee.  There were 19 write-in votes for “Sue Roberts” and the canvassing board needed to review write-in votes that didn’t match the candidate’s exact name. There were 9 more votes for “Susan Roberts,” and 1 each for “Suzy Roberts” and “Susan K. Roberts.”  The state of Michigan does not require correct spelling and charges canvassing boards with considering the intent of the voter as expressed by his or her ballot and in light of surrounding circumstances.  Meanwhile election results for the Ironwood Township board of trustees race could end up in a recount. There were six candidates for four open town trustee seats and the fourth-place candidate, James Simmons Jr., outgoing township supervisor, won the fourth seat with 701 votes, while Vicki Nelson’s 700 votes was one vote short of a tie with Simmons.