The following election speed read comes by way of Dentons 50 partner Lisa D. Martin.
North Carolina found itself bracing for possibly three distinct vote recounts as the sun rose Wednesday across the election-weary state.
In the race for the governor’s mansion, Democrat Roy Cooper leads incumbent Pat McCrory by 5,001 votes or 0.11% in the most recent count, falling within the legal margin for a recount.
Other Council of State races that could result in a recount include the attorney general's contest in which Democrat Josh Stein leads Republican Buck Newton by 20,793 votes or .46% and the state auditor's race in which incumbent Democrat Beth Wood leads Republican challenger Chuck Stuber by 3,101 votes or .06%.
The how-to of North Carolina's recount law: A losing candidate may request a recount in Statewide races if their losing margin is within .5% or 10,000 votes (whichever is less) after the final vote is certified in the canvas. Canvas in North Carolina will occur on November 18th. Candidates have until noon on the following second business day — which is November 22nd — to request a recount.
