Recount underway in Torrington

TORRINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — A partial recount of ballots in a key state house seat in Torrington was underway Tuesday.

In the 65th state House district, incumbent Democratic Rep. Michelle Cook faced Joe Canino in a closely watched race.

Torrington to recanvass some ballots

The race has gone uncalled for a week due to what local elections officials call "discrepancies" in the tabulation of votes cast early via absentee ballot, and by voters who utilized the same-day voters registration system.

The discrepancies, local officials said, were likely the result of an overwhelming volume of early votes, which led to a different number of ballots being tabulated than were received.

The recount includes only votes in the cast early, via absentee ballot or by voters who utilized the same-day voters registration system.

"We wanted to make sure that human error wasn't an ingredient in this, so we wanted to eliminate that right off the top, and make sure that we go the bottom-line results," said Jacque Williams, Torrington's Democratic registrar of voters.

Both candidates were on hand to watch portions of the recount. Lawyers representing both political parties continue to monitor the process, which is open to the public.