The difference between a minority and majority government has been determined—by just two votes.
The judicial process involving the scrutiny of ballots cast in the district of Labrador West turned out to be far more dramatic than many anticipated.
Here we go! 63 ballots contested. 20 for Brown, 27 for Letto. 1364-1362 in favour if Jordan Brown.
— Brian Madore VOCM (@BrianMadoreVOCM) June 21, 2019
NDP candidate Jordan Brown maintained his victory in the district, although his five vote lead was whittled down to just two.
That was after smiley faces, hearts and torn ballots were all scrutinized by Justice David Orsborn and either accepted or rejected.
A relieved Jordan Brown says he’s thrilled with the victory even if it was by just two votes. He laughed and called it “one for the record books.”
Incumbent Liberal Graham Letto told reporters he accepts the results. He says it shows how important it is to exercise your democratic right.
Letto and Brown shake hands pic.twitter.com/bL3hNqr5vj
— Brian Madore (@bmadorevocm) June 21, 2019
Premier Dwight Ball is offering his congratulations to Jordan Brown in his victory in Labrador West.
He calls him a “great young fella” who he’s known for a long time, and he looks forward to working with him in the House of Assembly. He also thanked Graham Letto for representing the district.
Earlier Story
The ballots have been scrutinized and a decision is soon expected on the judicial recount for Labrador West.
The NDP’s Jordan Brown won the seat by just five votes in last month’s election. That result was upheld by an automatic recount.
VOCM’s Brian Madore is at Supreme Court.
I have been in the news biz for 40 yrs. this is my first judicial recount. All ballots have now been scrutinized. Court on recess.
— Brian Madore VOCM (@BrianMadoreVOCM) June 21, 2019
The judicial recount was dramatic at times, as each ballot in question was scrutinized. Everything from smiley faces to hearts to torn ballots were questioned and analyzed to determine voter intention.
Somebody marks in a small heart next to Brown. Liberals argue it should be rejected. Judge agrees it could lead to identification of voter.
— Brian Madore VOCM (@BrianMadoreVOCM) June 21, 2019
The NDP’s Jordan Brown and Liberal Graham Letto are both in the courtroom with supporters as the recount unfolds.
The stakes of this recount are high. If Brown hangs on, it will be a Liberal minority government. If Letto wins, Dwight Ball will have a razor-thin majority.
Judge accepts ballot with line through Letto’s name as valid vote for the incumbent. NDP argued that it may mean doesn’t want him back.
— Brian Madore VOCM (@BrianMadoreVOCM) June 21, 2019
VOCM News will have details as they become available.
