The election night drama might not be over in at least one race in the city of Detroit.
Incumbent Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey bested challenger Garlin Gilchrist II in a close race last night. The tally at the end of the night was 49,882 votes to 48,400 (50% to 49%).
Less than 1,500 votes separated the two. But that might not be the end of the story.
Throughout the the night, Gilchrist had at times a 10 point lead until the absentee votes were counted, where Winfrey quickly caught up and beat Gilchrist.
This afternoon in a press conference aired on Facebook Live, Gilchrist says he’s considering a recount and alleges that there may have been voting irregularities.
One story Gilchrist shared was from a voter at Western High School. The man, according to Gilchrist, was told he already cast an absentee ballot when they showed up to vote at a polling place, when that voter said he did not vote absentee.
Additionally, Gilchrist alleges that multiple confirmation receipts were received by some Detroit voters for their absentee ballot.
Gilchrist says his campaign will make a decision whether or not they will ask for a recount after the Wayne County Board of Canvassers certifies the results. We’ve embedded the full video below.
Winfrey, a former teacher, was an upstart challenger when she took office defeating longtime City Clerk Jackie Currie in 2005.