Cary Silverman, who unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Jack Evans in the Democratic primary for Ward 2 councilmember, plans to ask the Board of Elections and Ethics for a recount, according to a press release from his campaign.
Why a recount in a race Silverman lost with only 35 percent of the vote? According to the release, that’s because the BOEE certified the Sept. 9 election results “before completing its investigation, issuing a public report, or otherwise explaining massive voting discrepancies.”
Silverman says he “does not anticipate that the recount will change the ultimate outcome of the Ward 2 election, but will seek a recount to help restore voter confidence, determine the source of the apparent error, and ensure that DCBOEE is prepared for the November general election and future elections.”
Full release after jump.
SILVERMAN TO REQUIRE RECOUNT OF WARD 2 ELECTION
*MEDIA ADVISORY*
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 1, 2008WHO: Cary Silverman, Candidate for Ward 2 DC Council
WHAT: Will file a petition with the Board of Elections and Ethics (DCBOEE) requiring a full recount of the September 9 primary for the Ward 2 seat on the D.C. Council in accordance with D.C. law.
WHEN: Thursday, October 2, 2008, 2 p.m.
WHERE: DCBOEE, 441 4th Street NW, Suite 250N
WHY: The DCBOEE certified the September 9 election results on September 26 before completing its investigation, issuing a public report, or otherwise explaining massive voting discrepancies, including how it eliminated 4,537 votes (including 2,997 votes cast for listed candidates and 1,540 recorded write-in votes) from preliminary results in the Ward 2 race between 9:37pm and 11:10pm on election night. This petition is a direct response to calls from D.C. voters, as only a candidate may require the DCBOEE to conduct a recount pursuant to D.C. law. Silverman does not anticipate that the recount will change the ultimate outcome of the Ward 2 election, but will seek a recount to help restore voter confidence, determine the source of the apparent error, and ensure that DCBOEE is prepared for the November general election and future elections. Silverman is filing at this time because certification of the election triggered a 7-day period during which candidates must exercise their right to request a recount.
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Cary Silverman challenged 17-year Ward 2 Council Member Jack Evans in the Democratic primary election on September 9, 2008. He is President of the Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association, a seasoned advocate, and successful lawyer who directs pro bono efforts in the DC office of one of the nation’s top law firms. For more information, please visit www.caryforcouncil.org.