A discovery recount in Peoria’s mayoral election shows no difference in the ballot count.
Peoria County Election Commission Executive Director Tom Bride said there were “absolutely no changes” Monday afternoon, following the completion of the recount that was requested by former 4th District council member Jim Montelongo.
“They were allowed to request 23 precincts. We recounted those precincts and the results were the exact same. It was a perfect match,” said Bride. “Then they wanted to talk to basically examine the vote-by-mail ballots — the physical ballots — and then also the vote-by-mail envelopes and applications, and that took most of the afternoon.”
Montelongo asked for the discovery recount after Rita Ali’s 43-vote victory over him in the April 6 mayoral election was certified. Ali was officially sworn in as the Peoria’s 55th mayor last Tuesday.
Montelongo did not immediately respond to messages requesting comment on Monday's recount, and whether or not he intends to challenge the election results in court.
