The recount for the Alachua County Sheriff is underway

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -Most people knew if their candidate for office won on election night, but the official decision for Alachua County Sheriff waiting for the results of a runoff.

On November 5th the Alachua County Sheriff race was neck and neck. Incumbent Republican Sheriff Emery Gainey received a total of 62,342 votes, while Democratic candidate Chad Scott garnered 62,757 votes.

With the race being too close to call, it has gone to a recount. Canvassing board member Lee Pinkoson is eager to find out who the new sheriff will be.

"This is a machine recount so we will be in the process of feeding a hundred and thirty-eight thousand ballots through the machines to see if there is a change in the outcome," added Pinkoson.

The state mandates a recount when a candidate is defeated or eliminated by half a percent or less than one-fourth of a percent, to ensure clarity. Supervisor of Elections Kim A Barton has conducted recounts in the past, but this year is different.

"We are using this time our high-speed scanner that is much faster. We don't need as many people to help us with this process," added Barton.

The recount started Sunday at 8 A.M. and the board has until Thursday to complete the recount. However, results could be posted earlier.

"I think both of these gentlemen are very honorable men and I think they will accept whatever the results are," said Barton.

The recount is expected to provide clarity, but until the results are finalized, the race remains on a knife's edge.

TV20 will keep you updated when we have an update on the sheriff's results.