Ohio Presidential Recount Reveals Slight Reduction in Bush's Margin of Victory

Strategic Insights -

Ohio's presidential recount came to an end on Tuesday, with a final tally showing President George W. Bush winning the state by 118,457 votes over John Kerry. The recount shaved off about 300 votes from Bush's initial six-figure margin of victory, which had been declared earlier by the state. The Kerry campaign had supported the recount, citing the importance of ensuring every valid vote was counted. Ultimately, the recount did not change the election's outcome.

Key Takeaways:

  • The final recount tally showed Bush winning Ohio by 118,457 votes over Kerry, a reduction of 300 votes from the initial margin of victory.
  • Lucas County, home to Toledo, was the last to finish counting its ballots.
  • The Kerry campaign supported the recount, but did not expect the outcome to change.
  • Supporters of the recount, requested by the Green and Libertarian presidential candidates, emphasized the importance of counting every valid vote.
  • Bush's victory margin declined by an additional 34 votes when some counties adjusted their certified vote totals.
  • Kerry gained 734 more votes in the recount, while Bush picked up 449 votes from disqualified ballots.

Statistics:

  • Bush's margin of victory in the state's initial tally was 118,775 votes.
  • The recount shaved off about 300 votes from Bush's initial margin of victory.
  • Kerry gained 734 more votes in the recount.
  • Bush picked up 449 votes from disqualified ballots in the second tally.
  • Bush's victory margin declined by an additional 34 votes when some counties adjusted their certified vote totals.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • Unofficial results provided to The Associated Press by the 88 counties.