MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) State statute says that any election that has a 2% margin is subject to a recount, upon request. The Mitchell mayor race saw incumbent Bob Everson receiving 801 votes, with Terry Sabers recording 1724 votes and the winner Jordan Hanson having 1781 votes. Terry Sabers could request a recount.
Mr. Sabers has indicated that, while he has not made a final decision, he probably will not see a recount. He has a five-day window to make that decision and request. The issue is, when does the clock start? The County Commission will canvass the vote on Thursday June 6 while the City will canvass the vote on Monday June 10. The election was conducted by the county, but it is a city race so when does the five-day time period begin? It’s a question for the lawyers.
State statute says that candidates and ballot issue committees can challenge the vote and request recounts, assuming the margin is within the 2% parameter. There was an official “Save Lake Mitchell Committee” and certainly vigorous and vocal opposition to the lake proposal but no “official” committee against it per se. That raises the question of whether the “no” votes will be able to request a recount or not.