Florida’s midterm election races were won by razor thin margins, and it seems that many of the major races are now being challenged for recounts.
Senator Bil Nelson, who was defeated by his opponent Governor Rick Scott, was one of the early challengers calling for a recount on election night.
In response, Governor Scott’s spokesman, Chris Hartline, commented that “This race is over. It's a sad way for Bill Nelson to end his career. He is desperately trying to hold on to something that no longer exists.”
Florida law states that a machine recount is taken when the margin of victory is 0.5% or less. If the margin of victory is 0.25% or less after the recount on the machine, then a manual recount is conducted.
Broward county votes could not be input electronically in seven of its precincts, so they had to be driven to county election offices in USB drives. And, the Nelson campaign has grown optimistic because of this.
Brenda Snipes, controversial Broward Elections Supervisor who violated state and federal laws by destroying ballots from the 2016 congressional race while they were the subject of a lawsuit against her office, commented on the matter by saying that “I can't give you an exact number. I'm not sure. I'm really not sure. But we are working on those and whatever they are, we anticipate completing them today."
Another race that might be headed towards a recount is the Florida Agriculture Commissioner race between Republican Matt Caldwell and Democrat Nikki Fried. With Caldwell having a 0.16% lead over Fried, Fried sent out a campaign email saying that “This is the closest race we’ve seen here in Florida since Bush v. Gore in 2000. We are going to ensure that every vote is counted. In a race this close, everyone’s voice must be heard so the will of the people is upheld.”
