The recount in Arizona’s 2nd Congressional Districtrace is underway in Pima County. Republican Martha McSally beat Democrat Ron Barber by just 161 votes, triggering the recount.
It has been a tug of war between both campaigns, and individuals, to change how and why votes are counted in this tight race. District 2 includes half of Pima County. Brad Nelson is the county's Elections Director. He said the recount is completely transparent.
"All of this is being done under observation of political party observers, we also have an individual from the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office here observing the process as well," Nelson said.
The logic and accuracy test for the tabulation system was completed Wednesday. Nelson said people can also watch a 24-hour live stream of the recount on the Pima County Elections' website.
Approximately 250,000 ballots are being processed in the county, but only votes for District 2 will be counted. Nelson said the vast majority are votes cast as early ballots. Cochise County is also included and will start its recount on Dec. 8.
The Secretary of State is required to report recount results from the counties to the Maricopa County Superior Court no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 16. Nelson said he expects Pima County to easily beat that deadline by a couple of days.
