District 6 magistrate election recount will take place Tuesday

The recount to determine who will serve as District 6 magistrate in Christian County will take place Tuesday morning in the Circuit Courtroom of Judge John Atkins.

That was decided Wednesday afternoon by Judge Atkins, who also informed those gathered that the recount of ballots will happen by hand.

The recount will begin at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning, with sorting of absentee ballots starting at 9 a.m.

Incumbent Democrat Jack Lackey filed the paperwork for a recount of ballots after he was defeated by Republican challenger Phillip Peterson in the general election. Peterson carried the district by only two votes.

In discussing absentee ballots, County Clerk Mike Kem says someone will have to sort through around 900 absentee votes to find the ones that belong to that district. Judge Atkins says he will appoint two deputy clerks to go through the votes and find the ones they need.

If the result stands, Peterson will replace Lackey in representing Pembroke and a portion of Oak Grove come January.