Atlanta mayor runner-up expected to seek recount

ATLANTA – A city councilwoman who sought to become Atlanta's first white mayor in a generation is expected to formally request a recount soon of last week's mayoral runoff.

Former state Sen. Kasim Reed edged out Mary Norwood by 715 votes in the Dec. 1 contest for the nonpartisan mayor's office. That falls within the 1-percent margin of victory that under Georgia law allows the runner-up to petition for a recount.

The results were certified Saturday by the Fulton County Board of Elections.

Now Norwood has until 5 p.m. on Tuesday to file a written request with the board for a recount, and campaign officials have said she could do so as soon as Monday.

After the request is made, a recount would take place the following business day beginning at 10 a.m.