The race for Geauga County auditor was too close to call following the May 5 primary election, with just four votes separating incumbent Chuck Walder and challenger Joe DeBoth.
The race for Geauga County auditor was too close to call following the May 5 primary election, with just four votes separating incumbent Chuck Walder and challenger Joe DeBoth.
According to the final unofficial results of the Geauga County Board of Elections, DeBoth garnered 5,976 votes to Walder’s 5,972, a razor-thin margin that could trigger an automatic recount.
Per previous reporting, recounts are conducted when the difference between the declared winner and loser is equal to or less than one-half of 1% of the total votes cast in a race or issue.
“After certification is complete, the board determines if there are any races that fall within the margin for an automatic recount,” said board of elections Director Tyler Plants in a May 7 email.
The board’s certification meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 22, he said, noting officials still must review additional ballots.
Despite the close results, Walder thanked supporters in a May 7 email to the Geauga County Maple Leaf.
“I am awaiting the recount and final provisional ballot totals and will accept whatever outcome they determine,” he said. “I have been reflecting on the very narrow margin in this race and remain grateful for everyone who participated in the process. Regardless of the final outcome, I appreciate the support, encouragement and engagement from so many throughout this campaign, during this waiting period, and my last eight years as Geauga County auditor.”
DeBoth had not responded to a request for comment as of this article’s posting.
