FEWER than 7,000 votes remain to be processed in the Nov. 8 general election (Shutterstock),

Two races for local office, close for nearly three weeks, appear to be heading to a conclusion.

At the close of business on Monday, the contest for the third seat being contested for the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees has Morgan Westmoreland ahead by a slim margin of 80 votes over John Briscoe.

According to the Orange County Registrar of  Voters, Westmoreland has polled 12,727 votes (19.55 percent) to Briscoe’s 12,647 (19.42 percent) votes.

The registrar’s office reports that just 6,688 ballots remain to be counted countywide and in the closing days of processing, totals in each race are only changing by a handful of votes.

Westmoreland’s margin has increased steadily, from 70 votes Nov. 22 and 57 on the day before.

In the Westminster City Council election for District 1, Amy Phan West has polled 3,186 votes (50.21 percent) to John Gentile’s 3,159 votes (49.79 percent), a difference of 27 votes. But that’s up from 10 on Nov. 22, the same as the day before.

Regarding Measure O, which would impose a tax on the sale of cannabis in Huntington Beach and clear the way for the establishment of such businesses in Surf City, “yes” votes has a large lead with 42,705 (54.62 percent). “No” votes are at 35,402 (45.33 percent).

Only a simple majority is required for passage. Due to incorrect information provided to The Tribune, we had reported that 55 percent approval – plus one vote – was necessary.