Vermont judge to try to expedite recount of Democratic gubernatorial primary ballots

Vt. judge to expedite Dem. gubernatorial recount

MONTPELIER, Vt. — A Vermont judge says he will try to expedite the recount of the Democratic gubernatorial primary ballots.

The recount is set to begin Wednesday.

Washington County Superior Court Judge Geoffrey Crawford on Friday said during a status conference to discuss the recount process that he’ll consider having the vote counters work on Saturday’s, if needed.

The recount was requested by state Sen. Doug Racine, who finished second to Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin by 197 votes in the Aug. 24 primary. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie in November’s election.

The general election ballot needs to be finalized to meet a Sept. 20 deadline to mail ballots to overseas voters so they can be returned to Vermont in time to be counted.