LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — It's a primary race nearly five months in the making.
"It's been a long process, but all the i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed," said Alyssa Fusaro, Luzerne County Board of Elections Vice Chair.
Just 50 days before the November election. The results for the Republican Primary in the 117th State House District were certified, with challenger Jamie Walsh taking the Republican Nomination, by just four votes.
"You hear it, I hear it ,'oh my votes doesn't count'...'oh my vote doesn't matter'. I think this really proves you need to go out and exercise your right to vote no matter who you're voting for," said Walsh.
It's an unprecedented case for the Luzerne County Board of Elections.
"One thing for the public to know, even though the process took long- they need to trust the process and I think that's something the board's proud of that we're diligent. It took longer than we wanted to, but it's for the right reasons," said Luzerne County Board of Elections member Rick Morelli.
The biggest hold up has been challenges and appeals over two provisional ballots.
On Friday, the state Supreme Court upheld the Commonwealth's ruling, validating one provisional ballot and ruling the other invalid.
The decision still wasn't enough to change the outcome of the Republican primary. However, it did allow Luzerne County to finally certify the election.
"Throughout this entire process, we have made sure that every single vote counts. That's something to be said going into November, not only myself, but others have confidence in the election process," added Fusaro.
The certification clears the way for a possible recount. Candidates have five days to ask for one. we have reached out to Representative Mike Cabell's campaign but have not yet heard back.
While Jamie Walsh, who sits unchallenged in the November general election, says he looks forward to this long-awaited service.
"What I said at my celebration party, I had a copy of the Constitution in my hand I had said every vote I make in Harrisburg is going to be reflected in these founding documents. That is what I believe," said Walsh.