In 2006, a close general election for Auditor of Accounts prompted a recount which overturned the original count. This was one of two state results overturned anywhere in the nation from 1980 through 2006. It was the seventh recount in Vermont's history and the only one that overturned an original count.[1]
Election and recount
Unofficial election night results had Democrat Thomas M. "Tom" Salmon losing to Republican incumbent Randolph D. "Randy" Brock by over 800 votes. But when the certified results were announced a few days later, Brock was leading by only 137 votes (with over 250,000 votes cast). Given the closeness of the election, Salmon, in accordance with Title 17, section 2602(b) of the state statutes, then petitioned the Washington County Superior Court for a recount.
As recounted results began coming in from the state's 14 Counties, Brock's lead soon disappeared, and Salmon took the lead.
On December 21, 2006, Superior Court Judge Mary Miles Teachout declared Salmon the winner by a margin of 102 votes over Brock.[permanent dead link]
This was the first statewide recount in Vermont in 26 years. According to the state archivist, it is also the first time in the state's history that a certified election was overturned on the basis of a recount. Also, according to Brock, this may have been the closest statewide election in the state's history.[permanent dead link]
Salmon took office on January 4, 2007.
