By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS — The two men tied for mayor of Landis after Tuesday’s election will be present at the Rowan County Board of Elections today for a recount.
Incumbent mayor Dennis Brown and challenger James Furr both received 195 votes. The election results are unofficial until the Board of Elections certifies the count on Tuesday. That process includes examining any provisional ballots to determine if the voters were registered.
“The state board said it would be a good idea to go ahead” with a recount before the canvass next week, county Elections Director Nancy Evans said. “It’s not uncommon.”
She added the discretionary recount is merely to ensure accuracy. Staff will send all of the ballots back through the tabulator.
“This is just for the totals we have now,” Evans said.
The provisionals must still be certified.
Evans said the discretionary recount is not being done at any candidate’s request but because of the state’s recommendation.
Brown confirmed Wednesday he would attend.
Brown said he visited the Board of Elections Wednesday morning in order to understand what happens following a tie in a race. He also went to request a recount, but was told he had to wait until provisionals were counted and only after that if a winner must be declared by drawing straws or a name is pulled from a hat.
Furr had no comment, but said he would be at the elections office today.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.