PORT TOWNSEND –Seven votes separating two Port Townsend City Council candidates is enough for a state-mandated recount.
The recount, which will occur today, will decide the fate of candidates Mary McQuillen, who garnered 941 votes, and Patsy Caldwell, who received 948 in the Sept. 20 primary election.
The top vote-getter goes on to the Nov. 8 general election to challenge incumbent City Council member Michelle Sandoval, who received 1,641 votes, or 46.17 percent.
The recount is scheduled today after the completion of Jefferson County’s primary election vote canvassing and election certification at 8 a.m. in the county Auditor’s Office on the second floor of Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St.
“Once preparation of all ballots is complete, a logic and accuracy test will be done,” said county Auditor Donna Eldridge.
“We will then begin the recount process.”
A recount is required when the margin between candidates is less than a half of 1 percent.
Witnesses and observers are welcome, Eldridge said.