A judicial recount of votes in the Innes ward has confirmed Pauline Cotter’s election as a Christchurch City Councillor.

 The recount disallowed 34 special votes, which has reduced the total number of votes counted. Pauline Cotter received 2638 votes, while the second highest polling candidate, Ali Jones, received 2630 votes.

The judicial recount was conducted at the direction of a District Court judge in response to an application from Ms Jones under the Local Electoral Act 2001.

Christchurch City Council’s Electoral Officer will issue an amended Declaration of Result for the Innes ward.

Ali Jones told Chris Lynch “regardless of the outcome, I’m really pleased that I applied and got this recount.

It shows there was an issue with the special votes, and it’s important to confirm the result, and this has done that.”

Jones wished Pauline all the best.