Vote canvassing reveals expanded lead for winner in Columbus Co. | News

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - A week after the primary elections, workers at board of elections around the state completed vote canvassing, which is the process that ensures numbers are accurate and everything is up to par.

But in Columbus County, it was a county commissioner race that stood out and showed a change from the original voting numbers.

Many in Columbus County knew the District 3 County Commissioner race was going to be one to watch between incumbent Buddy Byrd and former Sandyfield Mayor Perry Dixon.

Tuesday, during vote canvassing, it was discovered Byrd beat Dixon by 26 votes, which is six more votes than on election night.

Mostly black and Indian voters reside in District 3, and Dixon, the challenger, is black.

Hence, Byrd raised some eyebrows when he was quoted in The News Reporter saying the votes were close because folks voted their color.

Dixon, who has nearly 17 years of public service, says people voted for him because of his record, adding that he's not ready to concede.

Since both candidates received 40 percent of votes, a run-off election cannot be held.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.