Recount in SLO County District 2 Supervisor begins
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- The recount of the closely-watched San Luis Obispo County District 2 Supervisor race began today at 10 a.m. in the San Luis Obispo County Government Center.
The election between longtime incumbent Bruce Gibson and challenger Bruce Jones was certified earlier this month with Gibson earning the victory by a narrow margin of just 13 votes.
After nearly a month of counting ballots, the so-called "Battle of the Bruces" came right down to the wire, with Gibson earning 11,722 votes (50.03%), while Jones captured 11,709 (49.97%).
Following the certification of the election, North County resident Darcia Stebbens requested a recount on behalf of Jones.
Stebbens is financially responsible for the entire cost of the recount process.
According to a release from the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder office, Stebbens must pay a deposit to cover the anticipated costs each day using cash, cashier’s check or money order.
If the advance deposit is not paid each day prior to the start of the recount, Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano will terminate the process.
The advance deposit that was needed to begin the recount today is $16,995.
Costs of the recount may go up or down daily based on the number of special recount boards assigned for the day, supplies, copies, materials, security, etc.
Cano said the anticipated cost for the entire recount is $80,262.
Stebbens also financed a recount earlier this year in the San Luis Obispo County District 4 Supervisor election between incumbent Lynn Compton and challenger Jimmy Paulding.
Paulding won the race by 639 votes during the June 7 election. After the conclusion of the recount, it was determined Paulding won by the exact same margin, 639 votes.
After Monday, the District 2 recount will begin each day at 9 a.m. and finish at 4:15 p.m. The Clerk-Recorder office did not provide an estimation on when the recount will conclude.
