SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Voters can expect a recount in the race of who will be the two state representatives for District 15. Less than 10 votes separate the candidates who will get the second seat to represent part of northern and central Sioux Falls.
District 15 is one of the few districts in the state that traditionally sends Democrats to Pierre.
This year, there’s a chance that could change.
Incumbent Democrat Kadyn Wittman is headed back to South Dakota’s House of Representatives. But the second and third-place candidates in the race are just nine votes apart.
Democrat Erik Muckey is currently in second place and feels strongly that a recount will show the same results.
“It’s really important again, for voters to understand this is the power of your vote in action. It can come down to nine votes and a 17,000-vote election. And if you ever question if your vote actually matters, this is a really good opportunity to remind yourself that it does,” Muckey said.
Republican Joni Tschetter who is just nine votes behind Muckey told KELOLAND News over the phone she plans on filing for the recount.
“What’s most important is the people have voted and it’s important to do as the District 15 voters want,” Tschetter said.
Muckey said he’d do the same if he was in her position and he hopes the recount will be timely.
“I really hope it is a faster process. It was really excruciating to wait for that long,” Muckey said.
Minnehaha County auditor Leah Anderson said a candidate has three days to file for a recount after the county canvas.
“First the judge would have to approve the recount and then assign a recount board. Then the judge would set the date for the recount. The results would be posted once the recount is completed and certified,” Anderson said in an email.
This is a developing story KELOLAND News will continue to follow and update with the results when the recount is complete.
