[ad_1]
Every ballot cast in Kansas’ vote rejecting an amendment to strip abortion rights from the state’s constitution will be recounted by hand — despite the proposal’s landslide defeat.
Whitney Tempel, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office, confirmed that Colby resident Melissa Leavitt has already posted the $200,000 bond required to cover the cost of the process. Leavitt, who has also been fundraising for the recount in recent days, made the request on Friday just ahead of the 5 p.m. deadline, citing unconfirmed suspicions of fraud.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tronc/CIZUARBZCD2QL2MUBNDBV7CSNQ.jpg)
Bryan Caskey, state elections director for the Kansas secretary of state’s office, said officials would go along with request. He noted that it would be the first recount of votes on a statewide ballot question in decades.
“Normally, they reinforce the Election Day results,” Caskey said about recounts. “We stand by the results and will do the recount.”
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tronc/6DX3SS5LH4R2L4TWUNSDGVBNVM.jpg)
Last week, the majority of Kansas residents voted against an amendment that would have allowed the conservative, Republican-controlled Legislature to further restrict or ban abortion. It was defeated in a 59% to 41% landslide, with “No” earning 165,000 more votes than “yes,” according to the unofficial election results.
Sen. Caryn Tyson has also requested a recount in 55 counties in the Republican race for Kansas Treasurer. She currently trails state Rep. Steven Johnson by 375 votes.
With News Wire Services
[ad_2]
Source link