If Leo Choquette, the challenger of the New Bedford District 1 City Councillor who lost to the current William Bradmarkey on Tuesday, surrenders the official document requesting an official recount, it will be difficult to overturn his 44-vote loss. Things.
“Before these voting machines, they were usually quite accurate. Recounting the votes could reverse the election. Unless the voting machines read the wrong votes, they are usually reliable,” said Peter Barney, a 35-year veteran of City Hall’s treasurer. ) Say. Administrative assessors and candidates who participated in the two recounts. "Forty-four votes is the upper limit of possible, but it seems a bit too far from opening the result."
If you were in the role of Choquette, what would you do?
"If that was me, I might also ask for a recount because the people who voted for you want you to do this," Barney said. "Leo’s supporters want him to go further, and pleasing them is crucial to his political future. Besides, as a candidate, you want to see for yourself what is actually written on the ballot. The voting machine will not pick up one. Word-in the check mark next to the vote or name."
Historically, those who recount the votes are often winners, not losers. If you are ahead, the recount will usually not conflict with the leading candidate. Barney participated in several elections to recount the votes. One vote fell to 66 votes, but Barney said that there were 23,000 votes or more in that election, which was a far cry from the recent first district contest.
The closest election in New Bedford took place about 50 years ago, when Dorothy Carney defeated Pat Callahan by just 5 out of about 25,000 votes. The recount did not significantly change the result.
New Bedford election commissioner Manny DeBrito (Manny DeBrito) said: "Mr. Joquette did come here, fill out the form with the form, and will not be able to hand in the documents until November 12."
If Choquette decides to proceed, the average cost for taxpayers to recount will be between US$3,000 and US$4,000.