Orr officially requests recount

Libby City Council candidate D.C. Orr, who found himself just one vote short of third place in the city’s municipal election, filed his official request for a recount of the ballots Wednesday at the Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.

County assistant election administrator Leigh Riggleman said the request was properly filed and fell within the statutory guidelines. She has arranged the election judges and public officials to oversee the recount and scheduled it at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at the Lincoln County commissioners’ office.

Orr previously stated his concern was with the 16 ballots rejected by election officials due to overvoting and his desire to inspect those ballots. Under law, the only way Riggleman can reopen the ballot boxes to inspect the ballots is with an official recount. Orr lost by just one vote to incumbent council member Allen Olsen and was just 10 behind incumbent Peggy Williams. The overvote ballots could potentially alter the final results, which were made official by commissioners last week.

Orr said he was pleased with the election office and Riggleman’s response to his request.

“I made a point of my distrust of Lincoln County election administration,” he said. “I hope it comes through that the actions of the entire staff have been professional above and beyond the call of duty. Monday we will roll up our sleeves and get the job done with mutual respect.”