Saturday, May 28, 2011

Recount in Appellate Court Race

Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele has ordered a recount in the Democratic primary election for Judge of the Commonwealth Court.
Unofficial results from across the state show Katherine Boockvar with 311,624 votes of 50.17% and Barbara Ernsberger received 309,508 votes or 49.83%. That's a difference of .34% and under state law a mandatory recount is called if the difference is less than a half percent, unless the trailing candidate waives the recount which Ernsberger did not.
“There is nothing more important to our system of government than a transparent election process in which our citizens have confidence,” Aichele said. “Mandatory recounts in elections this close help maintain that confidence.”

The recount must begin in all counties no later than June 1 and be completed by June 7. Results of their recounts must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by noon June 8. Aichele will then announce the final outcome of the election.

The last statewide recount, in 2009, cost approximately $542,000. This cost will be paid by the state as required by law.