SALEM—An automatic recount now appears likely for Measure 92, a ballot initiative that would require labeling of food sold in Oregon containing genetically modified organisms.
The latest unofficial count Thursday from the Oregon secretary of state lists 750,989 votes against it, 749,505 for it. The difference of 1,484 is now within the 3,000 that triggers an automatic recount.
Counties have until Tuesday to certify their totals with the secretary of state, who has until Dec. 4 to certify the state results.
Although statewide recounts are rare, they do occur.
In 2000, Randall Edwards beat Gary Bruebaker for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer by 470 votes of more than 300,000 cast. Edwards went on to win two terms as treasurer.
In 1992, Les AuCoin beat Harry Lonsdale for the Democratic nomination for U.S. senator by 330 votes of more than 300,000 cast. AuCoin lost to Republican Sen. Bob Packwood.
Edwards and AuCoin led in their initial counts.
State law requires a recount at public expense if the difference is one-fifth of 1 percent of the total votes cast. Recounts also can be requested even if the margin is greater than the automatic trigger, but the individual or organization requesting it must pay unless the election result is reversed.
Spending by both sides on Measure 92 added up to nearly $29 million, shattering the record of $15 million set back in 2007.
Similar measures have gone down in California in 2012, Washington in 2013, and Colorado on Nov. 4.
Source: www.capitalpress.com