NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – Democrat Tim Merrick’s lead over Republican Dane Scalise in the race for North Carolina House District 20 is down to 81 votes.
The race is one of the closest contests in New Hanover County. New Hanover County Democratic Party Chair Jill Hopman said she expects the margin to change but believes Merrick will hold on.
“Having been on the other side of this many times, in many recounts, in trying to find votes, it’s harder than it looks,” Hopman said. “Do I think that Tim Merrick will hold on, yes, I think that the lead will probably shrink.”
New Hanover County Board of Elections members on Tuesday reviewed provisional and absentee ballots to determine which votes can be counted.
Before the board made its decisions, election staff reviewed each provisional ballot and made recommendations.
The board approved 444 provisional ballots, denied 448 and approved 131 to be counted in part.
Hopman said the close results show why every vote matters.
“It really does matter when it comes down to 101 votes,” Hopman said. “Your vote really does matter in purple New Hanover County.”
The canvass process continues through the week. The board is expected to meet Friday to certify the county’s results.
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