THUNDER BAY -- Frank Scarcello wants a recount in Westfort.
Monday's vote saw Westfort incumbent Joe Virdiramo win by less than 50 votes over challenger Scarcello.
"I think I owe it to my supporters, the people who voted for me that I should ask for a recount," he said.
"We'll ask and find out."
Scarcello was disappointed with the loss but pleased that he had such a competitive showing. He wants to meet with city clerk John Hannam to go over the options for a recount.
A recount in municipal elections is only automatic in the result of a tie.
Monday's vote saw Westfort incumbent Joe Virdiramo win by less than 50 votes over challenger Frank Scarcello.
Once results are officially declared, which city clerk John Hannam said will likely be Wednesday morning, it's up to city council to request a recount either on its own or through a deputation by a member of the public.
The recount can be for the entire result, a specific ward or even between two candidates. If council denied the request, an application can be made to Superior Court for a judge to order a recount.
Virdiramo it would only be right for him to sit out on a recount vote should Scarcello ask city council.
"Of course I would declare a conflict because it concerns me," he said.
Whether or not that happens is up to Scarcello or someone else though.
"I guess we'll just have to wait," Virdiramo said. "To be fair everyone has their right to demand something."
"If it happens I would act accordingly."
If the recount is ordered by council, it must be recounted in the same method the election was originally tallied, in the city's case by electronic tabulator. A judge though can order another method, such as by hand, if needed.
The recount must be done within 15 days of council's order and is typically done in the same amount of time if ordered by a judge although the timeline is up to the judge's discretion.
A recount isn't necessarily rare, although it hasn't happened municipally in Thunder Bay for at least 20 years Hannam said.
"What's rare is that a recount results in a different outcome in terms of the election," he said.
