​Morgans are still winners after Grand Isle County recount

The recount committee checked ballots cast during the General Election on Nov. 3. Photo by ROB SWANSON, Islander Photojournalist

By MIKE DONOGHUE
ISLANDER STAFF WRITER

NORTH HERO -- Rep. Leland J. Morgan and his nephew Michael R. Morgan will serve as the two state legislators for the Grand Isle-West Milton district in Montpelier for the next two years.

The state's only recount from the General Election showed a few numbers adjusted across the six towns, but not enough to change the winners announced on Nov. 3.

The outcome ends -- for the time being -- the 18-year legislative career for House Speaker Mitzi Johnson, D-South Hero.  Michael Morgan appeared to win the second of the two seats in the district on election night by 20 votes and Johnson requested the recount.
 
Morgan's lead grew to 21 votes after the recount when Johnson lost 1 vote.

The final recount totals showed:
Rep. Morgan, a Republican from West Milton, remained the top vote getter with 2,778 votes on Friday, picking up two votes above the election night total certified by Secretary of State Jim Condos.

Michael Morgan, also a Republican from West Milton, remained at the 2,627 votes announced on election night.

Johnson finished the recount with 2,606 votes.   She had finished with 2,607 votes on election night.

Democrat Andy Julow remained in fourth place with 2,405 -- up one vote from Nov. 3.

The recount at the North Hero Community Hall began at 9 a.m. and was over by 4:30 p.m. 

Grand Isle County Clerk Susan Bohannon told The Islander she will file a written report with the results early next week with Vermont Superior Court Judge Robert Mello in North Hero, who will be asked to certify the outcome.

The recount went somewhat smoothly throughout the day.  The counters did have to run the ballots from Grand Isle a second time because there was a discrepancy of about 30 votes.  However the second time with a different machine, the Grand Isle numbers matched the election results from Nov. 3.
Bohannon said the recount required masks for all counters, candidates, media, officials and anybody wanting to attend.  Hand sanitizers and gloves also were available.

The Islander will have more details in the print edition next week.

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