LANDIS — The Landis town council race could be headed for a recount after incumbent Craig Sloop and newcomer Dorland Abernathy finished within votes of each other.
Abernathy, who had never run for political office prior to this race, received 143 votes, while Sloop, who has served on the board since the mid-1990s, received 141.
Because the race was so close, Sloop could call for a recount. It is not clear if he intends to request one. Sloop did not immediately return a phone call.
Rowan County election officials say Sloop has to notify the office in writing by Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.
“Once they request a recount it is run through our machine. If that changes the outcome, they could request another hand-to-eye count,” said Elections Deputy Brenda McCubbins.
If the difference between the votes for second-place candidate and the votes for the winning candidate is less than 1 percent of the total votes cast, a recount can be requested. “He could call for a recount,” Elections Director Nancy Evans said.
Sloop said on election night he didn’t want to comment until after official results had been determined.
Abernathy said it’s fine with him if Sloop asks for a recount.
“That’s his prerogative. I’d rather have it cleared up than take office with a cloud over it,” Abernathy said.
During the November 2011 mayoral election, then-mayor Dennis Brown and challenger James Furr were tied until a recount took place. Furr won after provisional ballots were counted leaving him ahead of Brown by one vote.
Brown, who was appointed to finish out Furr’s term as alderman, ran for re-election in this race. Brown was the highest vote-getter with 156 votes.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.