The unofficial margin in the Otsego County treasurer's race grew again Monday as the Otsego County Board of Elections rechecked results, preparing to make them official.
As of Monday afternoon, Democrat Daniel Crowell led Republican Edward Keator Jr. by 153 votes, 6,302 to 6,149, according to Cindy Jarvis, the county's Democratic deputy elections commissioner.
On Election Day, Crowell's lead was reported as 5 votes, but after re-canvassing the voting machines, Board of Elections staff found a series of small errors, which continually widened the Democrat's lead. Last Friday, after absentee ballots were tallied, it stood at 140 votes.
In counting again Monday, Crowell's total held steady, but Keator lost 13 votes, making the margin a little wider.
``We've been recounting and checking every number to make sure we're right,'' Jarvis said.
In calculating the results of many elections, there are small errors _ numbers transposed or voices not heard correctly when totals are reported, she noted.
``I don't think this was an unusual election,'' she said. ``It was just so close, every change was important.'' The results are slated be certified Nov. 24 when the elections commissioners, Republican Sheila Ross and Democrat Hank Nicols, meet at the Board of Elections Office, Jarvis said.
Crowell will then succeed Republican Myrna Thayne in January.
Thayne, who is completing her first four-year term, was defeated by Keator in the Republican primary.
The treasurer's post pay about $62,740 a year.
___
Tom Grace can be reached at tgrace@thedailystar.com or 847-9806.
