ROCKINGHAM — A recount has been requested in the race for the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, with less than 100 votes separating the third spot.
Michael Legrand requested the action Monday afternoon, according to Elections Director Connie Kelly.
Only 84 votes separate Legrand, a Democrat, from Republican Andy Grooms following last Friday’s canvassing.
Records from the Richmond County Board of Elections show Grooms finished up with 7,995 votes to Legrand’s 7,911.
According to state elections law:
“In a ballot item within the jurisdiction of the county board of elections, a candidate shall have the right to demand a recount of the votes if the difference between the votes for that candidate and the votes for a prevailing candidate is not more than one percent (1%) of the total votes cast in the ballot item, or in the case of a multiseat ballot item not more than one percent (1%) of the votes cast for those two candidates. The demand for a recount must be made in writing and must be received by the county board of elections by 5:00 P.M. on the first business day after the canvass. The recount shall be conducted under the supervision of the county board of elections.”
Legrand declined to comment at the time due to a recent death in the family.
Grooms could not be reached for comment in time for this story.
Republicans swept the race with Jeff Smart receiving a total of 10,843 votes and Toni Maples following with 8,581 votes.
Incumbent Democrat Jimmy Capps received 7,783 votes and challenger Dewey Brower garnered 5,611.
Commissioners will also have to fill the spot vacated by Ben Moss, who won his election for the House District 66 seat against Rep. Scott Brewer, who was appointed to the seat in 2019.
Full election results are posted below.
