CORNING, N.Y. -- The ballot lockdown affects the finality of all votes in the 29th district. That includes the one over whether to add fluoride to the water supply in Corning.

People voted to take away the city council's authority to fluoridate, but the proposition passed by only 65 votes.

One Corning dentist says absentee ballots could change the result. If not, he says people in the city will not enjoy the benefits fluoride provides.

"Without a doubt, the kids, the poor, the elderly, the disabled, they all lose. Because fluoridation then may not happen. That's the difference between winning and losing," said Dr. David Schirmer.

If the dentists or anyone in Corning want fluoride in the water, they'd first have to force another vote to give city leaders back that authority.

Dentists say there are no plans at this time to pursue another referendum.