Judge dismisses challenge in Canton alderman race

CANTON — The sitting Ward 5 alderman will hold on to his seat by two votes after an election challenge.

The challenge by challenger John Brown was dismissed in Circuit Court Wednesday.

Brown had sought to nullify or reverse the results of the Nov. 5, 2019, election he lost to the incumbent, Tim Taylor. Brown had filed the challenge on Dec. 9.

Brown lost by a final vote of 115 to 113.

The case was given expedited status heard by special judge Jeff Weill.



Brown had claimed that at least seven people who voted in the election did not reside within the borders of the ward and should have been ruled ineligible to vote.

Taylor's attorney, John Scanlon, countered by filing a motion for summary judgement and for the case to be dismissed.

After hearing testimony from several witnesses, Weill granted Scanlon's motion. Brown's can appeal the decision.