The Colorado Secretary of State has ordered a recount for the District 16 state House race, where only six votes separate the candidates.
Republican Rebecca Keltie holds a narrow lead over Democrat Stephanie Vigil, triggering an automatic recount under state law.
The outcome could influence the balance of power in the Colorado legislature.
Mandatory Recount in District 16
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced a mandatory recount for the House District 16 race, following state law that requires a recount if the vote margin is within 0.5% of the leading candidate's total.
The race between Republican Rebecca Keltie and incumbent Democrat Stephanie Vigil meets this criteria, with only 0.03% separating them.
With 20,641 votes, Keltie is presently in the lead, a mere six votes ahead of Vigil's 20,635.
The razor-thin margin highlights the significance of each vote.
To make sure the results are correct in this closely fought race, this recount will be done.
El Paso County Prepares for Recount
The recount process in El Paso County will begin with a bipartisan canvass board conducting a logic and accuracy test on the tabulation equipment.
This test ensures that all systems are functioning properly before the recount officially starts.
The recount must be completed by December 6, as required by state law.
Every ballot in the District 16 election will be re-examined to verify the final result.
The county aims to maintain transparency and accuracy throughout the process.
Historical Context of Closed Races
Although the District 16 race is exceedingly close, it is not the most closely contested election in the history of El Paso County.
For example, in 1987, a school board contest in Peyton was determined by a single vote.
Two ballot measures in 2019 were decided by two votes and five votes, respectively, more recently.
The recount laws of Colorado have undergone significant changes over the years.
Lawmakers amended the regulations in 2006 to mandate recounts in elections with several probable winners, like those for school boards.
In close races like this one, these changes make sure that everything is fair and consistent.
Broader Impact on the State Legislature
The Colorado legislature could be affected in significant ways by the result of the District 16 recount.
Democrats will lose their supermajority in the state House if Keltie's advantage continues, with the Republicans keeping 22 seats and Democrats keeping 43.
A two-thirds supermajority requires 44 seats.
Republicans have already won two additional seats with thin margins, indicating a shift in voter sentiment.
The District 16 recount will not only identify the winner, but also set the political scene for the 2024 legislative session.
As the recount continues, all eyes are on El Paso County, where every vote counts.
