One day after the Alaska Republican Party announced its intent to request a recount of Ballot Measure 2, after the election is certified on Nov. 30, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom announced she intends to hold that recount.
Ballot Measure 2 was a grassroots effort to get rid of ranked-choice voting. But opponents brought in $15 million in Outside dark money to fight the repeal, and succeeded by 664 votes. The grassroots group had only about $100,000, all from citizens of Alaska who wanted to stop the Outside billionaires from controlling Alaska’s elections.
“Alaska law ensures the integrity of our elections, and with results as close as these, a recount will be conducted as outlined by statute,” Dahlstom said.
According to Alaska Statute 15.20.450, if the margin of defeat for a ballot measure is less than 0.5% of the total votes cast or within 20 votes, the State of Alaska will bear the cost of the recount. Ballot Measure 2 failed by a margin of 0.4% triggering, upon request, a state-funded recount.
The Division of Elections has already begun preparations, said Dahlstrom, who oversees the division.
We are actively gathering the necessary resources to conduct a thorough and efficient recount. Our team is committed to meeting the 10-day recount completion deadline following the scheduled certification of the election by the State Review Board on November 30,” Division Director Carol Beecher said.
Additionally, under Alaska Statute 15.20.480, properly cast absentee and overseas ballots that are received after the respective 10- and 15-day deadlines but before the completion of the recount will be included in the recount. The Division of Elections will ensure compliance with all relevant statutes, according to the press release from Dahlstrom.
Upon certification of the election results, the recount will begin immediately following receipt of the formal request. Further details regarding the formal recount request and process will be provided after the election is certified, she said.
On Sunday, the Alaska Republicans said they’d bring in national Republican lawyer Harmeet Dhillon to help guard the integrity of the process.
Why would absentee & overseas ballots received AFTER the deadline be added to the recount? Smells fishy to me!
Agree with FFF. There was a cut off date established. No cheats!! count the votes that were counted, no adding after the fact votes. One can pray the oversight attorneys hired by the “Pubs” will have the ability to counter any such anticipated move.
Cheers.
Fair enough. At least they are following procedure.
Nancy Dahlstrom went to work?