Following the certification of the November 5 General Election results by Clerk Catherine McMullen, some contests are heading for an automatic recount. As detailed in an announcement from Clackamas County, these recounts are triggered when the margin is razor-thin — precisely, no more than one-fifth of one percent of the total votes cast. McMullen has ordered a full recount for two such contests, the City of Gladstone, Councilor, Position 3, and the City of Molalla, Councilor, covering three positions. Commencing today, the recounts dig into the close results.

Voters in Clackamas County have shown robust engagement with newly offered tools to make electoral processes more transparent and accessible. Clerk McMullen noted the use of resources like Track Your Ballot, which saw over 57,000 sign-ups, and the Happy Valley Vote Center, which assisted almost 2,000 voters. In a statement detailed by the county's news release, McMullen expressed gratitude to voters: "I want to sincerely thank each voter that chose to participate in this election," adding that voting is "a commitment to shaping the future of our communities."

With a voter turnout of 77.83%, 248,910 citizens participated in the General Election, reflecting the promise of democracy. As Clerk McMullen prepares for the recounts, the focus is not just on the results but on reaffirming our power to shape the future through voting.