Montgomery County Election Board discusses recount procedures and moves to certify close race
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Summary
At the Jan. 8 election board meeting, staff described recount procedures for a close contest (roughly 824 ballots) including special batch scanners and offline processes; the board moved toward certification of the 01/05/2026 recount results.
The Montgomery County Election Board met on Jan. 8 to review procedures used during a recount of a closely contested race and to move toward formal certification of results from the Jan. 5 recount.
Election staff explained recount handling for the contested race, noting a separate scanner model (set aside for recount batches) was used in the county’s mail processing facility for the approximately 824 ballots in question. Staff emphasized equipment is not internet‑connected and described how the recount batch is isolated and processed with a different scanner model to preserve the ballot chain of custody.
Board members discussed candidate access to the recount process and confirmed both candidates were given opportunities to observe the recount. After staff described the recount workflow and post‑recount validation, the board considered a motion to certify the results of the 01/05/2026 recount; meeting audio indicates the motion language was considered and board members prepared for certification.
The transcript records staff explaining the technical process and the board considering the certification language; a formal voice vote and certification were discussed in the session. No contested legal challenges were recorded in the meeting audio presented here.
The election board’s procedural review is part of standard post‑election protocol for narrow results; no changes to equipment models or systems were announced.