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Atlanta to have recount for mayoral runoff election

2:16 PM on 12/08/2009

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Atlanta Mayoral candidates Mary Norwood, left and Kasim Reed speak to supporters during their runoff election night parties, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo)

ATLANTA (AP) -- Ballots cast in a tight Atlanta runoff race for mayor will be recounted at the request of the runner-up, who lost by just over 700 votes.

Election officials for Fulton County say they will tally the votes again on Wednesday from the nonpartisan runoff last week to replace outgoing two-term Mayor Shirley Franklin.

Former state Sen. Kasim Reed edged out city councilwoman Mary Norwood, who had hoped to be Atlanta's first white mayor in a generation. The gap of 715 votes was less than one percent of the total, meaning under Georgia law the runner-up could petition for a recount.

Elections chief Barry Garner confirmed receipt of Norwood's request and said the recount is expected to take four to five hours.

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