Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele today announced a recount confirms unofficial returns from all 67 counties showing Kathryn Boockvar as the winner of the Commonwealth Court Primary Election.
The recount was required because the margin between the two candidates, from unofficial returns filed May 26, was less than one-half of one percent; the threshold at which state law triggers a mandatory recount.
The trailing candidate had the option of waiving the recount, but did not do so.
Returns reported to the Department of State from all 67 counties show the following results:
-- Kathryn Boockvar - 311,732 (50.165 percent)
-- Barbara Ernsberger - 309,680 (49.835 percent)
-- Total Number of Votes Cast: 621,412
-- Difference: 2,052 (.330 percent)
“Making sure citizens have confidence in our electoral process is one of our department’s highest priorities,” Aichele said. “This recount maintains that confidence.”
The cost of the recount will be paid by the Commonwealth, as required by state law for mandatory recounts. The Department of State reimburses counties for costs associated with the recount. The last statewide recount, in 2009, cost approximately $542,000.
