Atlantic Beach candidates separated by a single vote; Mail-in and overseas ballots to settle it

A single vote separates candidates Lisa Herrold and Jennifer Lagner in the race for Atlantic Beach Commission Seat 4, according to initial election results. Out of 6,311 votes counted so far, Herrold holds a one-vote lead over Lagner.

Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland said the election is not over yet because additional ballots remain to be counted. Outstanding mail-in, military and overseas votes could still shift the outcome before results are finalized.

Election workers are double-checking all submitted ballots to ensure every vote is properly counted. Holland said the race could still change as votes are counted.

“We still got potential votes that could change the outcome of this election,” Holland said.

Specific deadlines govern the remaining uncounted ballots. Voters who submitted mail-in ballots with signature mismatches have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to present valid identification.

Additionally, military and overseas mail-in ballots have a 10-day window to arrive and be tallied.

The single-vote margin drew reactions from local residents regarding the weight of every vote.

Carl Redding, an Atlantic Beach voter, reflected on how uncommon such narrow margins are.

“I can’t remember many elections where it’s just been one vote that decided things,” Redding said.

Cindy Kaster, another Atlantic Beach voter, highlighted how individual participation affects outcomes.

“It’s amazing. One vote can make all that difference. And someone is sitting out there saying, ‘oh, I should have voted,’” Kaster said.

If the final count results in an exact tie between Herrold and Lagner, Florida law dictates how the winner will be selected. Holland said governing rules require a random method to break a draw.

“And in that race, what it comes down to, by state statute, a game of chance,” Holland said.

Unofficial election results are scheduled to be finalized on Friday. Those results will determine whether election officials must conduct an official recount for the commission seat.

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