PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More than a day after polls closed in Pennsylvania for the midterm elections, the Republican U.S. Senate race between Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO Dave McCormick was still too close to call.
Throughout Wednesday, Oz's lead over McCormick fluctuated between 1,000 and 2,000 votes, or a lead of between one-tenth and two-tenths of 1%.
If the margin remains nearly that tight, a recount could go into effect to find out who will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in the general election this November.
What is the Pennsylvania recount rule?
Under Pennsylvania law put into place in 2004, a recount is automatically triggered if the difference between candidates falls within 0.5% of the total vote. Pennsylvania put the recount rule into place in 2004.
If the final tally ends up in that range, acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman would have to order the recount.
Related
What is the recount procedure, and what is the required timeline of events in the GOP U.S. Senate race?
For this race, a recount would need to be ordered by Thursday, May 26. The count would be scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 1.
The recount would need to wrap up by Tuesday, June 7, with results being submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of State by noon on Wednesday, June 8.
The candidate who is trailing in the race can cancel the recount by written request.
Related
Who pays for the recount? How much will it cost?
In a race with a margin of less than 0.5% in the race, Pennsylvania pays for the recount.
The Department of State estimates that the 2021 Commonwealth Court judge race recount cost about $1.3 million. It confirmed Democrat Lori Dumas’ win over Republican Drew Crompton.
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