27 Absentee Ballots Found in New Hampshire House Race Decided by 15 Votes

27 absentee ballots were found in a New Hampshire House of Representatives race decided by 15 votes.

The Rockingham County state House District 6 race was initially “won” by Democrat Eric Turer over Republican incumbent state Rep. Melissa Litchfield.

Turer garnered 1,213 votes compared to Litchfield’s 1,198.

However, election officials in Brentwood, New Hampshire discovered 27 absentee ballots while reviewing voting material regarding the race.

Secretary of State David Scanlan said on record: “Because these 27 ballots have the potential to change the outcome of this race, the Ballot Law Commission will be requested to order that these ballots be counted.”

Election officials in Brentwood, NH have just discovered 27 absentee ballots which could swing the election for House of Representatives in the state: https://t.co/jxQ6M7abIN

— WPFO FOX23 (@FOX23Maine) November 19, 2022

Seacoastonline reported:

Twenty-seven unopened absentee ballots could tilt an election in Brentwood, where a New Hampshire House of Representatives race was decided Monday by just 15 votes.

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A recount held in Concord initially confirmed Democrat Eric Turer’s win with 1,213 votes for the Rockingham County state House District 6 seat, beating Republican incumbent state Rep. Melissa Litchfield’s 1,198 votes. An examination of voting material by the secretary of state, however, revealed the 27 absentee ballots that were never opened or counted.

The result, when it’s sorted out, could have an impact which party holds the majority in the House, which Republicans hold by a razor-thin margin.

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What the Turer vs. Litchfield race means in NH House

The final result of the Turer vs. Litchfield race could help determine the balance of power in the 400-member New Hampshire House.

Following the Nov. 8 general election, Republicans appeared to hold a 203-197 advantage, retaining the majority. However, two recount races earlier this week flipped results to Democrats. And a recount in a race initially won by Rochester Republican David Walker by one vote over incumbent Democratic Rep. Chuck Grassie resulted in a tie. That reduced the GOP advantage to 200-199, pending the outcome that is still to be determined.

More recounts are ongoing this week and next that could also impact the majority control of the House.