The recount begins today

In the recent Half Moon Bay City Council election incumbent Mike Ferreira seemed at first to win a seat. As provisional ballets were counted late in the process he was, to the surprise of many, displaced by Bonnie McClung. The tally was 1,860 to 1,845.

Here is what the 3,705 votes look like: One side with 1,860 for McClung the other with 1,845 for Ferreira. Try to guess which is which.

Given the closeness of the race, the unusual strength of McClung voters in the provisional ballots, and the importance of this election upon development policy not only in Half Moon Bay but within the entire Coastside area, it is not surprising that Ferreira asked for a recount.

Fifteen votes is a small margin of victory. A shift of a mere eight votes in the recount will change the election.

Click "read more" to see the which pile is higher.