Democrat Candidate Seeks Recount in Close Council Race

Leonard Katzman, who lost by just more than three votes in is now seeking a ballot recount. 

Katzman, who was the projected winner on Election Day, received three votes less than his opponent — a total of 3,786 votes — after the mail ballots were counted. 

His opponent, Republican incumbent Liz Pedro, received 3789 after mail ballots were counted. 

Katzman is now requesting a recount with the state Board of Elections. 

"At about 1 p.m. today I filed a formal request for a recount in the Portsmouth Town Council race," Katzman wrote in a released statement. "As of the final tally of the race, including paper ballots, I trail the last winning candidate by only three votes.

"I believe that our optical scanner voting system is very robust and accurate and therefore I do not expect the recount to result in any major change in outcome. Nonetheless, on occasion some variance does occur. I have been contacted by many Portsmouth citizens and they have urged me to seek a recount. I believe I owe it to my supporters to do so. This will allow Portsmouth voters to remain confident in the integrity of the election process.

"Regardless of the outcome, I want to thank all who supported my candidacy. Thanks are also due to the Canvasser’s Office for a well-run election."

It is unknown when exactly the recount will take place. A message was left Friday afternoon with the Rhode Island Board of Election.