Kent Co commission race recount slated

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The race to become the Kent County commissioner for the 13th District is now going into overtime.

An initial count of votes indicated longtime District 13 Commissioner Richard Vander Molen, a Republican, took 6,838 votes while Democratic challenger Michael Johnston was originally thought to have received 6,843 and independent Judith Kapteyn took 847.

But that first count now appears incorrect.

In a retabulation of votes , Vander Molen was leading Johnston by 32 votes as of Nov. 12, according to County Clerk Mary Hollinrake.

But now, Johnston requested a recount.

The recount will take place beginning at 8 a.m. on Dec. 5 at the Kent District Library's Kentwood branch, 4950 Breton Avenue SE. All the ballots cast will be re-run through an electronic tabulator.

Hollinrake believes the count may change by a few votes, "but will not flip by dozens of votes."