Mike Whaley, of Blanchard, candidate for Republican State House District 20, has filed a petition challenging the results of the Primary Runoff Election held August 27. The preliminary results of the election have Jonathan Wilk, of Goldsby, up by two votes.
Whaley has asked for a manual recount of absentee and election day ballots cast in McClain and Cleveland Counties, and he paid a deposit of $1,500 to the Secretary of the State Election Board. The deposit is used to defray the actual expenses of a recount, according to the State Election Board.
The recounts will take place Thursday, September 5 at the Cleveland County Courthouse under the authority of the Cleveland County Election Board, and on Thursday, September 5 at the McClain County Courthouse, under the authority of the McClain County Election Board.
All is being done under the provisions of Oklahoma State Statutes.
The proceedings are conducted by the judges in the two counties, but the election boards conduct the recounts and their determinations are final.
Whaley’s filing was made earlier today (Thursday, August 29).