For years before this election and for weeks during the campaign, both finalists for Peoria mayor have been profiles in perseverance.
Now that election day has come and gone, Rita Ali and Jim Montelongo will have to persevere a little longer.
When votes were tabulated Tuesday night, there was no decisive outcome. Of about 16,000 votes cast, Montelongo was ahead by 73. He received 7,983 votes to 7,910 for Ali, a fellow City Council member.
Outstanding vote-by-mail ballots, due April 20, probably hold the key to deciding who will replace incumbent Jim Ardis. Updates to the count are scheduled for Thursday, Monday, and on April 14, 16 and 20.