Concern over SJ City Council election results, possible recount

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The counting of ballots continues in Santa Clara County, but there is a concern over whether results from the general election may have been compromised.

On the eve of the election, an IT manager in the registrar's office abruptly resigned. Some wondered whether protocol regarding his resignation was followed and if the incident would affect the election in any way.

Registrar Shannon Bushey says, in the interest of transparency, she asked the Secretary of State to review the county's election results. Her goal was to reassure the public that there were no irregularities.

"I am very confident in our vote tabulation system and the results of the elections as they have been reported," Bushey said.

But as of Friday afternoon, Bushey said she was still waiting on word from Sacramento.

Then later on Friday, the Secretary of State's office emailed a letter they had sent Bushey, reminding her of a conversation earlier this week in which they told her the ball is in her court.

The District 7 seat for San Jose City Council hangs in the balance.

Political newcomer Tam Nguyen currently holds a slim lead over Franklin-McKinley School Board member Maya Esparza.

Nguyen wants to ensure that every vote is counted.

"Just to make sure, nothing that we can even hint or detect of any irregularities," Nguyen said.

Esparza is just as curious about what happens next. "I'm not sure what the future holds. I'm just trying to keep an open mind and make sure really that everybody's vote counts," she said.

As of Friday morning, there were 4,400 provisional ballots left to be counted.

Santa Clara County hopes to have final numbers by Sunday.

The election will be certified on December 2 and any possible recount would happen after that date.

For full election coverage visit our Bay Area Election Results and Voting Guide.