Each race for Seymour’s clerk-treasurer party nominations was decided by less than a single percentage point in Tuesday’s primary election.

Democrat Robin Carpenter, 47, will face off against Republican Darrin Boas, 49, after each won by narrow margins.

Carpenter defeated

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Kristine Hackman, 63, by five votes, or 0.78%, garnering 324 votes to Hackman’s 319.

Boas’ victory was by an even slimmer margin as he defeated Sarah Hodapp, 29, by three votes. Boas received 614 votes to Hodapp’s 611, a 0.20% margin. Dovie Stidham received 224 votes or 15.46% of the vote in that race.

Tuesday’s election has set up the first contested race for clerk in 28 years. The winner of that race will replace Fred Lewis, who has served in that office since 1991.

With such close margins, it’s possible candidates may request a recount. The deadline for that action is noon Tuesday, May 21.

Candidates who request a recount are responsible for costs, which include filing fees. Deseree Haurez, the county’s voter registration clerk, said those fees are $257.

The process begins with a lawsuit filed in Jackson Superior Court I and a three-person commission is appointed by Judge AmyMarie Travis.

The commission would then recount all the ballots.

Hackman said Tuesday evening she would consider a recount, but was not familiar with the process yet.

“I would consider it,” she said. “It’s five votes.”

Hodapp said she was leaning toward not pursuing a recount.

“Maybe if it was one, I would, but there’s something about three where I don’t feel like we would have messed up on three votes,” she said.

Hodapp said she was not expecting the race to be as close as it was.

“I feel like that has to mean something,” she said. “I’m so thrilled to know 611 people chose me.”

She said she plans to serve the city in other ways as she has met several people throughout the community while campaigning.

Hackman, who serves as the city’s human resources director, said she loves working at the city and felt like it would be a great opportunity to serve.

“I’m a little heartbroken because I didn’t win, but I’m happy that I ran and so many people voted for me,” she said.

Boas said he has been used to close races throughout his time as a candidate.

He said in 2015 he lost by six votes in a bid for city council. Boas said he knows how it feels coming up short by a close margin.

“It’s bittersweet and I hate that it was this close,” he said. “You’d like for it to be a clear line of support. When it’s that close, you kind of feel bad for the other person because it could have gone either way, it was so close.”

Boas said he spoke with residents and attended city and Republican events. He said he shared his experience in the private sector and as a city councilman.

“It’s obviously humbling, but I’m also very excited and look forward to be given the opportunity to serve the city,” he said.

Carpenter said she was excited to win the nomination and was surprised by the margin.

“That just goes to show you that every vote counts,” she said. “I’m really excited because I feel like I have a lot to bring.”

Carpenter said she had a strong support system during her campaign.

“I had so many friends supporting me and backing me throughout this campaign,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the fall.”

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Seymour Clerk-Treasurer

Democrat

Robin Ann Carpenter;324

Kristine Hackman;319

Republican

Darrin Ray Boas;614

Sarah Hodapp;611

Dovie Stidham;224

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