Tom Silva, District 5 Galt City Council candidate. Photo courtesy of the University of the Pacific

GALT, CA (MPG) - The race remained close between District 5 City Council challenger Tom Silva and incumbent Paul Sandhu, according to unofficial results Nov. 6 from the Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections office.

Silva was still in the lead with 573 votes compared with Sandhu’s 535, a difference of 33 votes. Silva has 51.7% of the votes to Sandhu’s 48.3%.

Shortly after Election Day Nov. 3, Silva was leading by 32 votes: 489 to 457. The count was expected to be updated at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 10, which was after press time.

Silva told The Galt Herald on Nov. 4 that he was thrilled to be leading, but the lead was an uncomfortable one.

“As we wait for the remaining votes to be counted and the results to become official, I remain optimistic and grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey,” Silva said Nov. 4 in a statement. “Regardless of the final outcome, my commitment to Galt remains strong.”

Paul Sandhu, incumbent and District 5 Galt City Council candidate. Photo by Paige Lampson

Sandhu would be OK if he had to step down, he said Nov. 4, adding that he will respect the will of the voters. Sandhu has served two terms.

Sacramento County is expected to release an update every Tuesday and Thursday until the results are certified. An additional update will be released Nov. 16.

Results can be certified no earlier than Dec. 1. The tally of votes for the City Council races in District 1 and District 3 are final because both candidates ran unopposed.

Mayor Bonnie Rodriguez will represent District 3 and Mark Jackson will represent District 1. This is the first election that City Council members were elected to represent districts rather than the city at large.

Measure L

Separately, the outcome of Measure L might be shifting.

Measure L, which the city placed before voters Nov. 3, lets them decide whether to have the city clerk and city treasurer appointed by the City Council or elected by voters.

Proponents argue the City Council should appoint professionals because the jobs have become complex and require relevant background and experience. Opponents argue appointing people takes the power away from voters.

The initial election tally released early Nov. 4 by the Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections office showed opponents edging proponents by three votes.

But as of late Nov. 6, those in favor lead by 46 votes. A total of 2,549 voters now say yes to Measure L, while 2,503 are saying no.

The Nov. 6 tally is preliminary. Updated results are expected to be released Nov. 10 after press time. Results will be certified no earlier than Dec. 1.