By Marshall Griffin and Maria Hickey, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Margaret Donnelly has announced that she'll request a recount in the Democratic primary for Missouri Attorney General.
The results of the August 5th primary show Donnelly trailing fellow Democrat Chris Koster by 794 votes, or zero-point-two percent of all votes cast.
Donnelly says the recount process shows respect for voters.
"The law is there for a reason, and it provides a mechanism when the vote is very close to make sure there is no error in tabulation, and to make sure every vote is counted," Donnelly said.
Kansas City attorney Dick Rhyne is representing Donnelly. He says the margin between Donnelly and Koster is the smallest in the history of Missouri for a statewide race.
"All we need to do is show that there's (a) one-vote swing in 25% of the precincts in the state, and that would swing the election to Margaret's favor," Rhyne said.
State law requires the Secretary of State's office to hold a recount if the results are within one percent, as long as one of the candidates makes the request.
The Secretary of State's office has until August 26th to certify the election. Candidates have seven days to file their requests for recounts.
The state then has 20 days to do the recount. That means the recount would likely take place in September, less than two months before Election Day.
Meanwhile, Koster issued a statement saying Donnelly has the right to verify the results, but that he's confident his campaign is on the path to victory in November.