Avon’s council election remains unofficial, but the current 21-vote gap for the fourth seat does not appear to trigger an automatic recount. In the Town of Avon’s Nov. 4 update, Alan Sandberg has 573 votes and Justin Chesney has 552. Four seats are open. The town says a recount could still be requested under Colorado law, and the tally can change before certification.
Who is currently in the top four?
Avon’s published unofficial totals are Jennie Fancher, 852; Ruth Stanley, 770; Rich Carroll, 697; and Alan Sandberg, 573. Chesney follows with 552. These are current standings, not certified winners. Check the county election-results portal for a later count. Our Eagle County election-results roundup covers the other local races and Ballot Issue 5B.
Does a 21-vote gap mean an automatic recount?
Not on the current numbers, according to the town. For a race electing more than one person, Colorado’s mandatory recount test compares the last candidate in line for a seat with the next candidate. The gap must be no more than one-half of 1% of the last winning candidate’s votes. One-half of 1% of Sandberg’s current 573 votes is 2.865 votes. The present 21-vote difference is larger than that threshold. The test is applied after the original count is certified, so the final tally matters. Read Avon’s explanation.
Could someone still request a recount?
Yes. Avon says Colorado law provides a separate path for an interested party to request one even when a mandatory recount is not required. The request must meet statutory requirements and is at the requesting party’s expense. Eagle County administers this coordinated election and would conduct any requested recount. A request has not been reported in the town’s Nov. 4 notice.
When will the results be official?
The results stay unofficial until the canvass and certification are complete. Avon lists Nov. 25 as the certification deadline and says the newly elected council members are expected to be sworn in at the Dec. 8 council meeting. Follow the town’s election updates and the county results portal rather than treating election-night figures as final.
Featured image is an AI-generated, photorealistic illustration of a fictional mountain-town streetscape. It does not depict an identified Avon location.
