After an election there are several ways voters can request a recount.

 

For individual precincts in a county, three people from that precinct must submit an affidavit.

 

32 out of 91 precincts in Centre County qualified for recount consideration.

 

Laura Dininni, Supervisor of Ferguson Township, said she joined the effort.

 

“What I’m hoping for is a reassurance of the integrity of our voting system in Pennsylvania specifically,” Dininni said.

 

All of the affidavits were accepted by the Board of Elections on Nov. 28.

 

Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Michael Pipe, said they were not processed because according to election laws, the paperwork needed be submitted within five days of final vote tabulations which was Nov. 22.

 

But Pipe said for those who still want to request a recount, there is another option.

 

“To petition the Court of Common Pleas in Centre County to for recounts of specific precincts,” Pipe said would give a judge the opportunity to hear from concerned voters.

 

The process isn’t just for presidential candidates, it can be for any of the candidates on the ballot.

 

Pipe said often times a recount helps voters accept the final results.

 

Dininni said she wants to gauge the accuracy of her precinct.

 

“Across the board we’re finding that we have a lack of trust in our system,” Dininni said.

 

Some may ask if the effort is redundant, if you’re expecting the same results but Dininni said she “would absolutely not call it redundant, but I would call it a check on the system.” 

 

If a recount is approved, it will come with a price.

 

Pipe said the more ballots, the more time and employees it takes to get the job done.

 

If issued by a county judge or a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, it is the county’s responsibility to take care of extra finances like overtime pay.

 

If issued by a federal judge or on a state level, then it is the responsibility of the state.

 

Pipe said ultimately requesting a recount is in line with voter rights and he hopes the overall interest in election turnouts and enthusiasm form voters will show in future local elections.