Candidates for Mayor of Southport reflect on canvassing results and upcoming recount

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — In Southport, the difference in the mayoral race right now is one vote and a recount has been requested.

Alderman Rich Alt is in first place by one vote over current Mayor Joe Pat Hatem. Friday morning’s vote canvassing by the Brunswick County Board of Elections has Alt at 840 votes and Hatem at 839 votes.

The original unofficial results had Hatem winning by three votes, 833 to 830, but 7 absentee ballots came in after election night. A recount will happen next Tuesday. It’s open to the public and will be live streamed.  Both Alt and Hatem said while the race is tight, they’re both looking forward to the recount.

“It’s nice to be up by one, it’s better to be up by one then be down by one. But there’s no time for celebration now obviously with a recount, one vote can be washed away,” said Alderman Alt.

“Down by one vote. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the numbers 839 or 833, but we were ahead by three, now we’re down by one and we look forward to the recount,” said Mayor Hatem.

Hatem said he believes the recount shows the importance of American democracy and the ability to vote.  Alt adds no matter the result, he looks forward to continuing to improve the City of Southport.