Recount likely over one commission seat in Hallandale Beach

By Ihosvani Rodriguez | South Florida Sun-Sentinel

November 6, 2008

Hallandale Beach - One of two contested commission seats was filled Tuesday, but the other is likely headed for a recount. Political newcomer Andrew Lewy's 21-vote lead over veteran Commissioner Dorothy Ross may be too close to go unaudited.

Until all of Broward County's provisional ballots are counted, however, there will be no decision on a recount in the Lewy-Ross race, election officials said Wednesday.

Lewy, 27, edged out Ross, 81, with 2,708 votes to Ross' 2,687. If the numbers hold, a recount will be automatic, Broward Elections Supervisor Brenda Snipes said.

"Right now that's how it looks, but we will have to finish [counting] all the votes before we know that for sure," she said.

Seven people vied for the two seats, with the top vote-getters winning.

The race's first winner is undeniable, as Commissioner Anthony Sanders got the most votes: 2,805. Sanders, appointed to the seat in August, becomes the second African-American commissioner in Hallandale Beach history.

He captured the four westernmost precincts, populated mostly by African-Americans, while Lewy and Ross split precincts in the eastern condo neighborhoods.

Ross said Wednesday she would welcome a recount.

Lewy noted that other recent Hallandale Beach elections were determined by even fewer votes — without a recount. "We're still pretty confident," he said.

Staff Writer Jon Burstein contributed to this report.