Presiding Judge Sanchez, center, explains recount procedures to recount election clerks Dec. 11 for the New Mexico Land Commissioner race. From left, District Judge Designee George Chandler, Recount Election Clerk Peggy Pendergast, Sanchez and Recount Election Clerk Stephen Ciddio. Courtesy photo

STAFF REPORT

The original Los Alamos County totals in the Dec. 11 recount for the New Mexico Land Commissioner race were 3,781 for incumbent Ray Bennett Powell, a Democrat, and 3,741 for Republican challenger Aubrey Dunn. The final totals are Powell 3,782 and Dunn 3,743.

Before the recount, there were 704 votes statewide separating the candidates. What is expected to be presented to the State Canvass Board today is a new statewide difference of 656 votes, with Dunn remaining in the lead statewide. So the votes shifted by 48 (that includes slight wins and losses in different counties). Most of the change was due to MVD Provisionals statewide, County Clerk Sharon Stover said, adding that in Los Alamos County, some of the changes were attributed to voter intent, as the oval was not filled in appropriately, however, the voter intent was clearly discernable by the recount board.

Stover said she is proud of the results of this recount, as it shows the process of the election and that the voting machines worked well and accurately. Stover also extended her gratitude to the Recount Team of judges and clerks saying the great attention to detail and team work attitude made for a successful recount.