The top two candidates in the race to represent Yonkers City Council's 6th District are just six votes apart, and county election officials say it's too close to call.

The winner between Republican Anthony Merante and Democrat Matt Orefice will determine which party holds the council majority.

A Republican has held the district for years. Current Councilman John Larkin is leaving the job at the end of the year.

"The city needs to have a Republican in this seat, because now that the City Council president has gone to a Democrat, City Council would be veto-proof," says Merante, a city businessman seeking his first political victory.

Orefice, an environmental chemist, says he's ready to change the district's dynamic.

"We have so many active homeowner communities and organizations that I'm trying to be their mouthpiece -- not have any of my own political agenda, but try to speak for the people," Orefice says.

Officials say it could take up to a week to count absentee ballots and declare a winner.