Defeated Mississippi County candidate requests recount of November vote

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The Democratic candidate for Mississippi County presiding county commissioner has asked for a recount.

The defeat of Jack Feezor by Republican Carlin Bennett in the Nov. 2 election was a narrow margin: seven votes.

According to state statutes, a candidate can request a recount if they are within 1 percent of their opponent.

County Clerk Junior DeLay said the petition for a recount was filed with the circuit court on Monday.

"The petition is requesting a hand recount," DeLay said.

As Circuit Judge David A. Dolan recused himself, according to DeLay, circuit court officials are now waiting for the appointment of a judge.

If the judge orders a recount, election officials will then have 20 days to complete the recount. DeLay said 3,517 ballots were cast for that election.

"We've had phone calls asking if it would be open to the public," he said. DeLay said only circuit court personnel, election officials, the two candidates and their attorneys are permitted at the recount.

The cost of a recount for the county will be less than $500, according to DeLay.