Democrats Decline Recounts In Cheshire 2021 Election

CHESHIRE, CT — Two Democrats have declined recounts for municipal races that met the mandatory recount threshold in last week’s election, the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee announced Monday.

At-Large Democratic Council candidate Fiona Pearson and Planning and Zoning Commission candidate Casey Downes are each within the recount threshold and have a right by town charter to a recount. However, both have agreed not to challenge the results in the “interest of Cheshire taxpayers and to demonstrate faith in the electoral process,” according to a news release.

“As Democrats, we believe deeply in free and fair elections,” Pearson and Downes said in a joint statement. “While we have a right to force a recount, we have declined to save money for Cheshire taxpayers. Win or lose, we believe in the integrity of our democracy. We trust if the situation were reversed, our Republican friends would choose to do the same.”

According to unofficial Secretary of the State vote totals, in the 2021 municipal election, Pearson garnered 3,651 votes, 25 fewer than Republican incumbent Sandra Pavano. Additionally, At-Large Democratic candidates Jami Ferguson and Chuck Neth were both within 45 votes of Pavano, who had the lowest winning vote total for at-large candidates. Downes received 4,022 votes, 28 fewer than Republican Tom Selmont, who had the lowest winning vote total for Planning and Zoning.

“I am incredibly proud of our candidates and while we came up short in some races, we have momentum on our side,” Cheshire Democratic Town Committee Chairman Courtney Cullinan said. “I firmly believe residents are ready for fresh perspectives, sustainable solutions, and leadership that listens. We will make sure Cheshire residents are not ignored by the Republican majority over these next two years.”

See also: Cheshire Election Results 2021: Vote Totals For Every Race