By Joe Whalen
Jerry Hanson, a Republican who lost his bid Tuesday for a seat on the City Council by a one-vote margin to Democrat Rick Pierson, has requested a recount in the Ward 2 race.
According to official results from today's canvass, the count was 293-292 in Pierson's favor.
State law enables a candidate to ask for a recount if he or she loses by a margin not exceeding 1/4 of 1 percent of the total votes cast or by a margin not exceeding 10 votes, whichever is greater, within five days of the official canvass. The votes were canvassed today.
The recount will take place Friday at 9 a.m. in the Hill County commissioners' office at the courthouse and will be open to the public, although the audience may be limited to prevent interference with the proceedings. State law also allows each candidate in a recount to appear at the proceedings, whether personally or by representative, and have full opportunity to witness the opening and counting of all ballots.
