Residents gathered outside Huntington Town Hall on Tuesday evening demanding answers about how 83-year-old Maria Delgado became the Working Families Party candidate for town supervisor.
Many at the rally said they felt misled and want greater transparency in the election process.
When News 12 visited her Huntington Station home earlier this month, Delgado did not come to the door.
Instead, an unidentified man answered and said, “She ran, she lost, and we’re proud of her,” before closing the door without answering additional questions.
Both candidates in the supervisor race have also raised concerns. Republican incumbent Ed Smyth told News 12 he does not know who Delgado is, and Democratic candidate Cooper Macco has called for more transparency in how she appeared on the ballot.
Residents argue the nearly 1,200 votes Delgado received could have affected the outcome. Smyth defeated Macco by a margin of just 602 votes.
“I think people would be less upset if it didn’t impact the election, but we strongly feel it absolutely made a difference,” said Denise Schwartz, of East Northport.
The state Attorney General’s Office previously confirmed it is reviewing complaints connected to the race.
Residents say they hope the Town Board will address their concerns during Tuesday night’s meeting.