Tom Schedler says he stands on the integrity of the vote count
Secretary of State Tom Schedler says the Crescent City Connection toll referendum was a very emotional election, and he understands emotions were high on both sides of the issue.
But he says despite the closeness of the vote, he stands on the integrity of the vote count and has confidence that a recount would verify the results announced on Tuesday.
The proposal to extend the tolls for another 20 years was approved by just 16 votes.
Schedler also addressed the concerns of toll opponents who say the vote may have been compromised.
"My comment to those individuals is that all they need do, if they have a smoking gun so to speak and visual sighting of the wrongdoing or some knowledge is to come in and make a complaint to our fraud unit and we will investigate."
Schedler is prohibited under state law from automatically recounting the ballots. He says any recount would have to be ordered by a judge. Toll opponents who might want a recount will have 30 days to secure a court order.
