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Sims asks for recount in Orleans-Lamoille House district

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Moderator Tod Pronto chats with Orleans-Lamoille House Katherine Sims and Mark Higley. Photo by Joseph Gresser

by Bethany M. Dunbar

copyright the Chronicle, 11-21-2012

NEWPORT — House candidate Katherine Sims of Lowell has asked for a recount of the ballots in the Orleans-Lamoille House district.

Mark Higley was re-elected in that district by a vote of 920 to 887, according to unofficial results collected by the Chronicle on election night.  The same numbers are listed on the website of the Vermont secretary of state.

Sue Pion at the Orleans County Superior Court said the recount has been scheduled for December 5.  On that day, ballots from Eden, Jay, Lowell, Westfield, and part of Troy will be delivered to the county court.  Each bag will be opened one by one, Ms. Pion said, and recounted.  There will be representatives of the Democratic, Republican, and Progressive parties on hand.

In an e-mail, Ms. Sims said she decided to ask for a recount because the difference was less than 2 percent.

“The race was very close with a difference of only 33 votes (less than 2 percent).  I feel that I owe it to my supporters to follow through with the recount process and to ensure that every vote was counted.

“This has been a positive campaign so far, and I feel confident that the recount process will move forward swiftly and smoothly.  I have really enjoyed the opportunity to campaign and to meet so many of my neighbors.  This is a truly special place.  No matter what the outcome of the recount, this election has demonstrated the power of a grassroots campaign to bring people together to talk about the important issues facing our community,” the e-mail said.

Mark Higley is a Republican and served in the House for two years on the Government Operations Committee.  Katherine Sims is a Democrat and Progressive.  This is her first campaign.

The 33-vote margin between them is 1.8 percent of the total votes cast.

contact Bethany M. Dunbar at [email protected]

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