Recount scheduled Wednesday morning in sheriff’s race

The Kay County Election Board will begin a recount of the votes in the Republican primary election for sheriff at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Undersheriff Steve Kelley won 50.20 percent of the vote according to results tallied Tuesday night, June 28. Opponents Tom Burg won 14.88 percent and Biran Herbert won 14.88 percent.

Burg requested the recount following the election because Kelley's majority was seven ballots more than the 50 percent plus one necessary to win without a runoff. If a recount shows a result of seven less votes for Kelley than previously counted, he will be forced into a runoff with Burg.

The original count showed 4,290 people voting in the sheriff's race. Since the three candidates for the position are all Republicans, the Republican primary (and if needed, a runoff) will determine who holds the sheriff's seat. Of the original number voting, 2,146 votes were necessary to win. Kelley's 50.20 percent was equal to 2,153 votes.