The mayoral race in Grenville was close, and the runner up has requested a judicial recount.
In the Sunday, November 2 municipal election, Sarah Lacasse Dwyer lost by 12 votes to incumbent Pierre Thauvette. Lacasse Dwyer received 347 votes, and 359 votes went to Thauvette. There were also 14 rejected ballots for mayor.
On Tuesday, November 4, Lacasse Dwyer announced she is requesting the Court of Québec to perform a recount of the mayoral ballots.
Québec municipal election law requires a candidate wanting a recount to petition the Court within four days of election day.
On Thursday, November 6, the Village of Grenville officially confirmed that Lacasse Dwyer had requested a recount.
However, a judge will still have to decide if a recount will take place. A court hearing to examine Lacasse Dwyer’s request will be held in St-Jerôme on Wednesday, November 12. The recount will only proceed if the judge believes it should.
The Village of Grenville announced on November 6 that pending the outcome of the judicial process, Thauvette remains in office as Mayor. The official swearing-in of the newly elected mayor is suspended and can only take place after the judicial process is complete.
“I have to explain/argue before the judge why I am requesting the recounting of the votes. Some ballots were wrongfully admitted or rejected, which might influence the outcome of the result. Also, many citizens have asked me to get a recount,” Lacasse Dwyer said.
