Candidates in close Eastern Iowa races have until next week to request recount

The unofficial outcomes of two Eastern Iowa races in Tuesday’s elections came down to just a few votes, and the candidates in those races will have the opportunity to request a recount after the vote numbers are finalized.

The mayoral election in Solon between incumbent Steve Stange and challenger Daniel O’Neil was decided in O’Neil’s favor by just nine votes, according to preliminary results.

In Alburnett, a school board race with three open seats was even closer. Just two votes separated the third winner, newcomer Mary Bauerkamp, from the next runner-up, incumbent Yon Abel.

In Iowa, a candidate can request a recount but the margin dictates who must pay for it. If the difference is 1 percent or 50 votes or less, the state pays for the recount. Otherwise, the candidate requesting the recount pays.

No recounts have been requested yet in either race, and they likely won’t be until vote numbers are finalized with a canvass. Both Alburnett and Solon are scheduled to have their votes canvassed Tuesday, according to the Linn and Johnson County auditors’ offices.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. on the third day after the canvass to request a recount. So in Alburnett and Solon, candidates have until Nov. 17.

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