As Simmons Calls for Concession, Deely Starts Recount Fund Campaign

With the election less than 48 hours behind them and the race still up in the air, Kevin Deely is asking supporters for help in a possible recount of the 131st state House race. 

Deely, the Democratic candidate, took to social media to ask for help in covering the cost of a ballot recount. 

The letter, posted on his Facebook page, reads: 

Dear supporters,

I appreciate your patience in waiting for the election results to be posted. Things are changing rapidly and it may take a week or two until we know the final results. Thank you for your support - I am humbled and honored by the support from every person who cast their vote, and I will fight to make sure than each of these votes is counted. 

A recount will be expensive. It costs $50 per voting machine - $6100 in Lehigh County, and more in legal fees. If you'd like to make a contribution in this endeavor to protect the democratic election process, we would greatly appreciate it. Visit www.kevindeelypa.com and click on the donate page.

The race could be weeks from certification, said Lehigh County's Director of Elections Timothy Benyo. With all polls reporting, Simmons was leading Deely by 562 votes, according to unofficial tallies. According to reports, the margin could be as close as 167 votes with Simmons ahead.

In district races, a recount is only triggered if three or more voters come forward to challenge results. According to the Lehigh County election office, it would cost approximately $6,100 to recount each machine in the county's part of the district.

Simmons, who thanked voters at Oliver Shakewell's Tuesday evening, called for Deely to concede the race. In a statement to Patch, Simmons writes: 

After an extensive study of the vote in the 131st district, it is clear that there is no path to victory for Kevin Deely. Even if every outstanding absentee and provisional ballot went his way he could still not make up the difference. It is time for Kevin to put the people of our district first and concede so we can move forward. 

What do you think of the 131st district race? Tell us in the comments!