SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — One of the highest-profile elections in Sioux Falls City Council history is headed for a recount.
Alex Jensen defeated incumbent Theresa Stehly to win an at-large seat by 110 votes, the city announced Wednesday.
“People want representation. They want to be involved in the process, and that’s exactly what they showed us here over the last couple of days,” Jensen said.
Stehly said she will ask for a recount of the more than 28,000 votes cast in the unusual election.
“We’ve had so many ballots being handled that I just think it’s prudent to re-check that,” Stehly said.
For his part, Jensen said he was “fine with” a recount.
“We’re willing and able to see this thing through to the end, and we want to make sure the people’s voice was really heard,” he said.
The close result is another twist in the election, which was postponed from its April 14 date due to the coronavirus pandemic. Over 15,000 people voted by mail, making the count time-consuming for election workers.
Both candidates thanked their supporters following the announcement.
“I just want the people to know that I served them with the greatest love and diligence for four years,” Stehly said.
Jensen said though his margin of victory was slim, he plans to represent all of Sioux Falls, even those who voted against him.
