House District 16 candidates claim victory/defeat in extremely close recount

UPDATE: Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold has confirmed the mandatory recount of Colorado’s State House District 16, in favor of Rebecca Keltie.

Original story:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A recount for a seat in the Colorado House of Representatives that was initially too close to call, at a six vote difference, has now wrapped up. It turns out, the new results for House District 16 were even closer, according to a statement from Democratic incumbent Steph Vigil.

We’re still awaiting word on official results from the Secretary of State, but Representative Steph Vigil’s office didn’t wait to release a statement saying she lost.

House District 16 covers a portion of Colorado Springs northeast of downtown.

Before the recount, Republican candidate Rebecca Keltie was up by six votes.

Based on Vigil’s statement below, the recount for House District 16, involving over 40,000 votes, brought the race to a dead tie. That’s when Vigil’s office says the canvass board got involved.

"It's been an incredible couple of years serving as HD-16's representative. I've taken on big challenges in the legislature and won, advancing innovative legislation to protect workers, make housing more affordable, and safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable Coloradans. My deepest gratitude to the broad and diverse network of supporters who have backed me through all of this. Nothing is possible without community.

The mandatory recount for HD-16 brought this race to a tie. It was only in the process of the canvass board's review that three Vigil votes were reversed, which therefore tilted the election in Ms Keltie's favor by three votes. It's my understanding that the canvass board's report will be certified by the Secretary of State, which will make Ms Keltie representative-elect for HD-16.

There are legal remedies available to me to investigate possible variables that would return the results to what the recount process initially determined, but I will need to consult with legal experts before making a decision of that magnitude.

In this moment of rising authoritarianism, attacks on democracy, and the scapegoating of minority groups for political gain, it is certainly distressing to see a campaign based on fear and hatred prevail, by any amount; especially by a candidate who's demonstrated a clear pattern of trafficking in election denial, but is suddenly fully confident in the very system she has repeatedly attacked.

Let's be clear: three votes is hardly a landslide. So many community members have reached out to express their frustration. Please know that you're not alone and I'm not going anywhere. We will continue to fight for our values together, in whatever way we can."

The canvass board’s job is to check ballots that weren’t filled out correctly. For example, if someone filled one bubble completely but also slightly marked another bubble, the canvass board works to figure out the voter’s intent.

Republican Rebecca Keltie is now claiming victory. On Thursday night, Keltie provided the following statement to KRDO13:

 "The recount in House District 16 has now been completed and certified by the official canvas board, including the representatives from both the Republican and Democrat party.  I am humbled and honored to have been elected to serve the voters of House District 16. 

  I want to thank my large team of volunteers, community members, and especially the voters, for your support and embracing my optimistic vision of Colorado.   

 We ran a positive, fact-based campaign, highlighting my position on the issues important to House District 16 voters, with specific emphasis on increasing public safety, prioritizing affordable living and lower taxes, and championing education and parental rights. 

   I look forward to listening and engaging with the community to represent the voters of House District 16."

We have contacted the Secretary of State to confirm all of the information, but we’re still waiting to hear back.