Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – The Virginia State Board of Elections will decide Monday whether to certify the results of the 28th district house race between Republican Bob Thomas and Democrat Joshua Cole. The board has delayed the certification over concerns that voters in that district were given ballots for a neighboring district by accident.
Virginia Republicans plan to file a lawsuit if the board doesn’t certify the results Monday.
“The margin of votes for Bob Thomas, the Republican, was 82 votes. The number of voters alleged to be in the incorrect district 83. Way too convenient,” Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia John Whitbeck told the Larry O’Connor Show.
Democrats filed a lawsuit to block the certification because of the ballot mix ups. Last week a federal judge denied the request and said a new election may need to be held.
The parties are fighting to win the race because the outcome could determine which party controls the Virginia House of Delegates.
The attorney for the Virginia House Democratic Caucus Marc Elias said in a statement they are distressed by last week’s court decision and are assessing next steps.
“We remain committed to the fight to ensure that every voter’s voice is heard, especially in a race with a razor-thin margin such as this,” Elias said.
Republicans held a 66-to-34 majority in the House of Delegates before the election. After the election Republicans only held a 51-to-49 lead with results for a number of close races not yet certified.
Copyright 2017 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: Commonwealth of Virginia)
