The Latest: Ballot count continues in NY Senate race

ALBANY, N.Y. – The Latest on the counting of absentee ballots in the contested New York state Senate election on Long Island (all times local):

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5:30 p.m.

Nearly 900 ballots have been counted in a contested state Senate election on Long Island.

Democrat Todd Kaminsky won 780 more votes than Republican Chris McGrath in last week’s special election. But McGrath hasn’t conceded and wants voting machines rechecked. Officials must also count 3,000 absentee and emergency ballots before announcing official results.

That process began Wednesday when nearly 900 ballots were opened. The rest will likely take at least a few days to count.

The winner replaces ex-GOP Senate Leader Dean Skelos who was convicted of corruption.

A Kaminsky victory will give Democrats the Senate majority but Republican control will likely continue thanks to six Democrats who broke with their party to empower the GOP.

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4:25 p.m.

It’s looking less likely that the presumptive winner of a pivotal state Senate race on Long Island will take his seat before the Legislature returns to Albany.

Democrat Todd Kaminsky won 780 more votes than Republican Chris McGrath in last week’s special election. But McGrath hasn’t conceded and wants voting machines rechecked. Officials must also count 3,000 absentee and emergency ballots before announcing official results.

That process began Wednesday when the first 200 absentee ballots were opened — suggesting the final outcome could be several days away.

The winner replaces ex-GOP Senate Leader Dean Skelos who was convicted of corruption.

A Kaminsky victory will give Democrats the Senate majority but Republican control will likely continue thanks to six Democrats who broke with their party to empower the GOP.

The Legislature reconvenes on Tuesday.