Republican candidate trails Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez by less than 1 percent

Third Congressional District Republican candidate Joe Kent is preparing to request a recount in his race for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In the latest results released at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 23), Kent trails Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez by 2,812 votes. The margin between the two candidates was less than 1 percent.

Perez has 159,901 votes (50.17 percent). Kent has 157,089 (49.28 percent).

“Here in Washington State, the election officials are still counting ballots and our campaign is still hard at work fixing many (of) our supporter ballots that were rejected,’’ Kent wrote in an email to his supporters. “The margin is well under 1% and shrinking fast.’’

Kent asked his supporters to support his recount effort with financial support.

“We are preparing to request a recount but, unfortunately, our campaign will have to pay for it,’’ Kent wrote. “Will you help us raise the approximately $80,000 we need by donating at https://JoeKentforCongress.com/Recount?

“We believe a recount would be worthwhile given the narrow margin, the documented technical issues in the signature verification process, human error, and the precedent of elections being overturned in our state following recounts,’’ Kent wrote.

According to Kent’s email to supporters, the maximum contribution to the recount fund is $2900 (or $5800 for married couples).

“We have a VERY short timeline to raise the money – just a few days,’’ Kent said.

Deadline to cure rejected ballots

Voters who have had their ballot rejected due to their signature on their envelope not matching the signatures contained in their voter registration record or because the signature is missing from their ballot return envelope may resolve those issues up until 5 p.m. Monday (Nov. 28).

Signature update forms are sent to all voters with rejected ballots with a letter explaining how they may resolve their signature issue so their ballot can be counted. The letter explains that voters have until 5 p.m. Monday (Nov. 28) to return the completed form, so their ballot may be counted.

Voters may check their ballot status online at VoteWA.gov. After entering first and last name and date of birth they may select BALLOT STATUS to learn if their ballot has been accepted or rejected.

Voters may contact the Elections Office at (564) 397-2345 or elections@clark.wa.gov with questions regarding the status of their ballot or how to resolve signature issues.