City Clerk: Hand Recount Went by the Book

(KNSI) — Election officials say St. Cloud’s recount in Ward 2 between Sandra Brakstad and Seal Dwyer went as smooth as possible.

St. Cloud City Clerk and Recount Official Seth Kauffman says the process was done by the book.

“For this recount, everything went according to the guidance provided by the Secretary of State. And honestly, the recount results really proved that our machines work throughout the three counties that we reside in.”

Each side had representatives watching each ballot counted by election judges. He hopes Wednesday’s results will help rebuild confidence in local elections.

“With only one change in the ballots, that was really really a good recount it just proved like I said that everything we do is accurate and the machines are accurate and everything.”

One vote for Dwyer was changed to Karen Larson after it appeared the voter originally cast a ballot for Dwyer but crossed it out and voted for Larson.

The final tally was 432 votes for Brakstad and 428 votes for Dwyer. After the primary, the two were separated by just three votes. Brakstad will take on Larson in the November 8th general election.

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