Brevard County orders machine recounts for two close races

Brevard County officials will conduct machine recounts for two contested races on Tuesday, November 10. Both elections fell within the state threshold that triggers an automatic recount.

The first recount concerns Florida State House District 33, which covers parts of West Melbourne and Palm Bay. Democrat Daniel McDow holds a 289-vote lead over incumbent Republican Monique Miller. Miller received 49.8 percent of the vote, while McDow received 50.2 percent. State law requires a recount for any race separated by less than 0.5 percent.

The second recount will determine the final seat on the Cape Canaveral City Council. Voters were asked to choose three council members on election day. Kay Jackson and Don Willis secured the first and second positions. The final spot is being contested between Brad Pervell and Dan Coon, who are currently separated by 0.2 percent.

If the margin between Pervell and Coon remains at 0.25 percent or less after the machine recount, state law will require a hand recount. The machine recount process will begin at 9 a.m. at the Election Support Center in Melbourne.

The center is located at 525 N. John Rodes Blvd. in Melbourne. Officials will count the ballots from both races at this facility to determine the final winners.