July 11, 2006

50th CD recount to cost $120,000 to $150,000

"Barbara Gail Jacobson said Monday she knew she would have to pay for the recount she requested of the June 6 ballots in the 50th Congressional District election.

What she didn't know was that the bill would run between $120,000 to $150,000.

Election officials say that's what a hand count of the ballots and other information she has requested costs. Jacobson, who challenged the results of the election claiming the potential for fraud, said the fees were exorbitant.

"Charging such a high fee obstructs the public from ensuring the elections we participated in were properly administered," Jacobson said in Monday phone interview.

In a July 7 letter to Jacobson, Registrar Mikel Haas wrote: "Based on prior experience, a rough estimate for a complete recount of this contest, including examination of pertinent materials, is between $120,000 and $150,000.

"Right now, concerned voters we're working with are looking at the information and preparing a response," Jacobson said.

In an earlier interview, the San Diego resident said she is a registered Democrat. She said the issue is not a partisan one ---- it's about protecting the democratic process.

In his letter to Jacobson, Haas also said that she had until 3 p.m. today to make a $6,000 deposit towards the cost of conducting the recount."

The article is here.

Posted by Randy Riddle at July 11, 2006 03:04 PM