Voters petition for recount on Belmont budget

BELMONT — A group of petitioners in Belmont filed for a recount Friday, following Tuesday’s Town Meeting election where the town’s $12 million operating budget passed by four votes. It was the first time in two years the budget was passed.

The filing was confirmed by Town Clerk Jennifer Cashman via phone.

“They dropped off a recount [petition] about 30 minutes ago,” she said at 11:30 a.m. “I have to speak with the moderator and figure out the best time, place and date.”

Cashman must schedule the recount no earlier than five days from Friday, but no later than 10 days. The petition was filed Friday morning before noon, and included the necessary 10 signatures and $10 filing fee.

According to state law in RSA 40:4-c, citizens have the right to request a recount within seven days following an election. Now, Belmont taxpayers want to exercise their right for a recount due to the close margins, and Susan Pilliod helped lead the charge.

“This is simply part of the process that helps ensure transparency and confidence in our local elections,” Pilliod wrote in a Facebook post. “This request is not about taking sides on the budget — it's simply about confirming the accuracy of a very close vote so everyone can have confidence in the outcome.”

Town leaders, including Cashman, understand this is part of the process, but they’re confident in the town’s voting machines, which were tested “nine ways to Sunday.”

If the budget fails, the town will revert to an $11 million default budget, the third default budget in three years. What this means for the town in the long-term remains unknown.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.