No automatic recounts in close races

With a couple of close legislative races around the state, the question arises of possible recounts. Betsie Kimbrough, state elections director in the Idaho Secretary of State’s office, has this explanation: “We don’t have automatic recounts.” But for the closest races – those where the margin is within five votes or one-tenth of one percent – a free recount is available. Neither of Idaho’s close legislative races – Sen. Abby Lee’s 28-vote win over primary challenger Viki Purdy, or Rep. Don Cheatham’s 64-vote win over challenger Peter Riggs – meets that criteria/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.