According to a Friday news release from Fayetteville mayoral candidate Thomas Feazell, he will demand a recount of the election. The initial result of the election put incumbent Jim Akers ahead by just five votes. Initially refusing to concede the election, Feazell did not pick up enough votes from challenged voters to win the race, but did narrow the gap to only three votes.
“Each and every voter in Fayetteville deserves to be certain that their vote counted and was counted correctly,” Feazell said in a statement. “That’s what I hope this recount ensures.”
Many of Feazell’s supporters were part of what incumbent Akers referred to as a new wave of Fayetteville citizens. After wining the election and challenged ballots were counted, Akers expressed interest in reaching out to voters who had shown an interest in change this election.
Feazell said too many residents are skeptical of the results to not request a recount.
“A manual recount will add to the integrity of the electoral process and provide reassurance to the voters who feel three votes is still too close to call,” Feazell added. “No matter the results of the recount, this election has been one for the record books. Never in Fayetteville’s history has there been a tighter race for mayor with one of the largest voter turnouts this town has ever seen.”
Full Article: Fayetteville mayoral election: Feazell to demand recount » Today’s Front Page » The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia.