Charles Moore will face incumbent Mitzi Gates in a run-off for mayor of Linden.

The close vote for the second spot in the run-off came down to provisional ballots, which were certified Tuesday afternoon.

Gates and challenger Joe Young were only six votes apart before Tuesday’s provisional marks were counted.

The margin tighten by one vote Tuesday, but Gates still came out ahead of Young by 5 votes.

Moore got nine out of the 10 provisional ballots that were counted Tuesday. Young got the other vote. Another 12 ballots were disqualified for various reasons.

Total votes were 345 Moore (42.6 percent), 235 Gates (29 percent) and 230 Young (28.4 percent).

“I will consider another opportunity to serve as Mayor of Linden a privilege,” Incumbent Mayor Mitzi Gates said.

She added that she is also very grateful that there were three interested, willing and capable people who ran who each have the city of Linden’s best interest  at heart.

The run-off election will be Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Check back for updates on this developing story.