Ahmann and Gardner recount on for Kandiyohi County Commissioner District 2 seat

UPDATE November 20, 2020 post: Recount widens Commissioner-elect Gardner's margin in Kandiyohi County Board District 2

On Wednesday, we reported Ahmann out? Steve Gardner likely to be next Kandiyohi County Commissioner for District 2.

Gardner reached out tonight to let us know that there will be a recount in the race:

I was just informed by the county auditor that Mr. Ahmann has requested a recount in the District 2 County Commissioner race. Tentative dates are the 20th, 23rd or 24th, yet to be determined. This will be a hand recount, two teams of two election judges from different parties will do the count.

The West Central Tribune's Shelby Lindrud reports in Recount ahead for Kandiyohi County Board District 2 race:

Incumbent Commissioner Steve Ahmann has requested a recount for the District 2 race for the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners, according to challenger Steven Gardner, who currently holds a 13-vote lead in the race.

Ahmann apparently requested the recount with the Kandiyohi County Auditor's office. Gardner said he was told the recount should be completed prior to Thanksgiving.

State election law allows a candidate to request a recount, as long as the request is made in writing no later than seven days after the election results were canvassed, which took place on Thursday in Kandiyohi County.

Because there is only a 13-vote difference between the two candidates, less than one half of one percent of the total votes cast, the recount will be publicly funded.

District 2 is all urban, covering the east, southeast and near west sides of the city of Willmar, including the downtown district.

Photo: Steve Gardner, via West Central Tribune.

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