Candidates in tied mayoral race considering recount request

JASPER, Ind. (AP) – The candidates in a tied race for mayor in the southern Indiana city of Jasper are considering whether to seek a recount.

Ballot counting ended Tuesday night with Republican Mayor Terry Seitz and Democratic challenger Wayne Schuetter both receiving 1,856 votes. Independent candidate Josh Budd received 190 votes.

The candidates or party chairmen have until Nov. 20 to request a recount in the 15,000-person community. Both candidates said they hadn’t decided on asking for a recount.

Dubois County Clerk Bridgette Jarboe tells The (Jasper) Herald that if the certified results remain tied, the City Council would vote by Dec. 31 on whether Seitz or Schuetter becomes mayor.

Democrats currently hold a 4-3 council majority, while Republicans won a 4-3 majority in Tuesday’s election for terms starting Jan. 1.