By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Challenger Marc Tiritilli has filed for a discovery recount one week after incumbent Chris Koos was declared the winner in the April 4 Normal mayor’s race by 11 votes.
“There’s still a question out there,” Tiritilli said of the 96 undervotes. “Does that mean the machine properly recorded blank circles or does it mean the ballots were marked and improperly recorded? There’s no automatic check of that.”
The recount allows Tiritilli and his representatives to review ballots from seven precincts. He could then seek a complete recount which he says could cost up to $15,000 in legal fees for him. He’s requesting financial help on GoFundMe.
Tiritilli wouldn’t venture a guess as to what his chances are of getting the outcome of the race overturned, but says it’s worth exploring.
“The chance is there and that’s what we are going to look into,” Tiritilli said. “We feel we owe that to everybody who voted in the election not just on my side but on Mr. Koos’ side as well.”
Tiritilli, 51, is a high school science teacher who ran on a campaign of reducing the town’s debt.
Koos, 68, is scheduled to be sworn in for a fourth term on Monday.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].