A single vote decided the Democratic primary in Newburgh’s Ward 3 and now, one candidate is raising serious concerns about election integrity.

Tamika Stewart lost to Ann Marie Hines by a narrow margin of 151 to 150 in June’s primary race. But Stewart claims the contest may not have been fair, alleging that Hines violated election laws by offering food to voters in exchange for their mail-in ballots.

“The claims that we were receiving from residents,” Stewart said, “was that they were being bribed with food in exchange for their over-the-counter mail-in ballot.”

Hines, a longtime community figure and restaurant owner, denies the allegations. She says her food donations are part of a decades-long tradition of giving back to the community not a campaign tactic.

“I have not in any way tried to sway voters with food,” Hines said. “Food is what I give away to the homeless, food is what I give away to the community.”

Stewart says she contacted the Orange County Board of Elections regarding the alleged misconduct. However, the board stated on Wednesday that it has not received any formal complaints about voter fraud in the Ward 3 race.

Despite the controversy, both candidates will appear on the ballot again in November. Hines will run as the Democratic nominee, while Stewart will represent the Working Families Party.

The rematch is expected to draw close attention as voters prepare to cast their ballots once again.