The loser in the Hinds County House District 73 Democratic primary is formally contesting the results. Terry resident Gay Polk said she hand-delivered a notice of contest Thursday afternoon to Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee chairman Claude McInnis. She lost by 90 votes to attorney Brad Oberhousen, also of Terry.
Polk, a registered nurse, wants a review and recount of all ballots – paper, electronic, affidavit, absentee and disqualified – plus poll books, sign-in registries and signature counts in the 13 precincts that are part of District 73.
While several other candidates have complained about election irregularities in the Democratic primary in Hinds County, none has taken the same step as Polk. Polk’s notice puts into motion what could end up as a court challenge.
Final results certified last week by the Democratic Executive Committee show Oberhousen receiving 2,103 votes, or 51.09 percent, to Polk’s 2,013, or 48.91 percent. Oberhousen couldn’t be reached for comment Friday.
The winner faces incumbent Republican Jim Ellington in the Nov. 8 general election. Polk said there are balloting issues in two split precincts – Dry Grove and Wynndale. She then recounted problems a couple had at the polls in Dry Grove.
“The wife voted Republican, and for the incumbent in District 73,” Polk said. “The husband voted Democrat, but a different House seat was on his ballot.”
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