The County Press

Ballot recount requested in Burlington Twp.

Planning board defeated by 4 votes



BURLINGTON TWP. — The township is divided on whether they want to form a planning commission, and the divide is close enough that one resident has asked for a recount.

Voters in Burlington Township were asked in last Tuesday’s election whether they wanted a planning commission formed for the township. Of the 412 votes cast on the ballot proposal, 204 said yes while 208 were opposed. Because the difference was only four votes, an unidentified resident requested a recount. Putting the issue on the ballot was also initiated by residents, said Treasurer Chris Howland.

Burlington Township is not a zoned township, and any matters regarding zoning or regulating land use were once decided by the county planning commission, which no longer exists. Land use, for example, has come up in recent years regarding things such as wind turbines in the township. A township planning commission could look at those issues and would also be able to make a master plan for the township.

County Clerk Theresa Spencer said it will be some time before a recount can take place. First, she said, the county Board of Canvassers must complete their certification of the election results, which must be done by Aug. 18. After that, the state must go through its canvassing process. Then, she said, if the proper petition is filed to do a recount, it will take place.

There may also be a countywide recount if state representative candidate Kurt Hausauer, Democratic challenger to Rep. Gary Howell, decides to proceed with seeking a recount. Hausauer lost to Jerry Tkach by 79 votes in the primary election.