Canipe's primary recount keeps Bridges in the race to November

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Board of election workers work the day away during the recount Wednesday afternoon. | Chuck Thompson

A primary recount was held Wednesday for the Cleveland County Schools Board of Education candidate Shelia Canipe, who made the request after the March 3 primary, where she trailed incumbent Vice-Chair Aaron Bridges by only 48 votes.

Canipe requested the recount on the Monday after Canvas; she had to file the request in writing. Not long after, she was notified that the recount would be held on Wednesday, March 18.

The recount began around 1:30 p.m., Wednesday afternoon and lasted until close to 6:30 p.m. The final result was that Bridges still won by 45 votes, the updated number was made official after provisional votes were authorized, but before the recount. 

Canipe waited at the Cleveland County Board of Elections office as the recount lasted throughout the afternoon. Cleveland County GOP Chairwoman Sherry Yocum was also present. Yocum said she was there to know the results firsthand, as she would be there for any local Republican GOP candidate. 

Canipe spoke to The Shelby Independent after the final count, expressing gratitude and disappointment, but also said she will support Bridges as he moves toward the General Election this November.  

"I'm proud of how I ran the race. I think Aaron and I both put up a good fight and I will support him," said Canipe. "I'm thankful for my voters and feel like I owed my supporters a recount; I wouldn't have expected anything else for any other candidate in my position." 

(Recount and Bridges comment below...)

"I appreciate the continued support," said Board of Education Vice-Chair Aaron Bridges. "I wish Shelia the best in her future endeavors. I will continue to serve Cleveland County Schools to the best of my ability, focusing on our school district and education."

“I'm pleased with how the primary was conducted in the voting,” added Canipe. “But, I am disappointed in the outcome and will continue to express my opinion and input and I will definitely consider running again." 

Canipe said that, for now, she will enjoy her retirement, travel and show support for the candidates she wishes to see on the school board. 

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.