Simplified: After more than 18 hours of deliberation, the recount board has final results in the Sioux Falls mayoral race. Christine Erickson edged out Jamie Smith by four votes, though it's possible the results could still be disputed in court based on objections from Smith's attorneys throughout the recount process.
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- Erickson was present for much of the recount process, and appeared stoic and resolved when results were read. Her win is historic not only because of its close margins, but also because Erickson will be the first woman to serve as Sioux Falls' mayor.
- Results came late Thursday after the recount board conducted painstaking reviews of the eight absentee ballots that had previously been rejected, as well as six provisional ballots and 129 ballots that were previously considered by the resolution board on election night.
- There were few changes between the June 23 run-off election and the recount held this week. Ultimately in the end, Erickson gained two net votes, Smith's net loss was two. Smith said his team is "looking at all of our options at this point," and he did not concede the race to Erickson.
- Erickson, meanwhile, said she's ready to get to work and build her team, saying the election and recount process were "fair and transparent."
"Right now I'm focused on leading and being the next mayor of Sioux Falls," Erickson said.
What happens next?
Erickson is set to be sworn in at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 17.
Beyond that, it's up to the attorneys.
