TAMPA, Fla. – With Democratic state Rep. Janet Cruz leading incumbent Republican state Sen. Dana Young by a mere 289 votes in the race for Senate District 18, election officials in Hillsborough County will meet Thursday evening to discuss if a recount is necessary.
Florida law dictates that if the vote margin between two candidates is less than 0.5 percent, a recount is automatically triggered.
If the margin of victory is equal to or less than 0.25 percent, a hand recount is ordered. Automation is used otherwise.
In the Cruz-Young race, a recount cannot yet take place because the election results remain unofficial. This is due to provisional ballots that still need to be counted.
The Supervisor of Elections canvassing board, which comprises two judges and the supervisor of elections, will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday to discuss remaining ballots and the possibility of a recount.
Spokesperson Gerri Kramer said they might not have an official answer on a recount until Saturday at noon.
“Election Day is just the beginning,” Kramer said.
Cruz is leading Young by a 0.14 percent margin.
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.
