Pennsylvania’s closely watched U.S. Senate race is heading for a recount after Senator Bob Casey did not waive an automatic recount, as announced by the Pennsylvania Department of State. Republican Dave McCormick currently leads Casey by less than 0.5%, triggering the recount process in the state for the eighth time since 2004. The recount is estimated to cost more than $1 million in state funds.
While Casey trails McCormick by nearly 30,000 votes, a significant margin that may not be overturned by a recount, roughly 80,000 ballots statewide remain uncounted, with the potential for many to be rejected. Despite this, Casey’s campaign maintains a narrow path to victory and believes every vote should be counted.
Counties have until Nov. 20 to begin the recount process, with the goal of completing it by Nov. 26. Recounts typically result in minimal changes to vote tallies, with outcomes rarely altered in statewide races. McCormick’s campaign deems the recount unnecessary, citing his insurmountable lead.
The recount marks McCormick’s second involvement in such a process, having previously lost by a slim margin in the GOP primary. As both candidates prepare for the recount, tensions are high, with accusations of potential voter disenfranchisement and litigation over provisional ballots from the Republican side. Despite criticisms from some quarters, Casey remains committed to the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of counting every vote in a fair and transparent manner.
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