A Tulsa judge is expected to issue a ruling early next week after meeting Thursday with attorneys and candidates in an Oklahoma House of Representatives race being decide by a handful of votes. Initial results in an April 3 special election for the District 71 seat determined Democrat Dan Arthrell defeated Republican Katie Henke by three votes. A Wednesday recount requested by Henke found she won by one vote. But after the Tulsa County Election Board certified Henke as the winner, two more ballots cast for Arthrell were found under a ballot box.
Arthrell wants Tulsa County District Judge Daman Cantrell to order the certification voided and the two ballots counted. Henke’s attorneys said the case belongs before the Oklahoma Supreme Court. “Our response is we think the (district) court does not at this point have the jurisdiction to address any issues raised by Mr. Arthrell,” said attorney Robert Sartin, who represents Henke. Sartin said Cantrell indicated he would issue a ruling late Monday or early Tuesday.
The Oklahoma State Election Board is scheduled to meet Monday morning to consider certifying Henke as the winner, but state Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said he has advised the board not to take action.
Full Article: No ruling yet in recount in Tulsa House race | NewsOK.com.