The Miami-Dade Elections Department has denied the request from influencer and mayoral candidate, Alexander (Alex) Otaola, for a vote recount following his electoral defeat in the county elections.
Otaola, known for his anti-communist stance and support for former President Donald Trump, finished a distant third in Tuesday's election, securing only 12% of the votes, far behind the incumbent Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who won a second term with over 58% of the votes.
Otaola's campaign manager, Andy Santana, argued that a recount was essential to ensure the accuracy of the results, citing the supposed closeness of the race. However, state laws only permit an automatic recount when the margin is half a percentage point or less, which was not the case in this election. Levine Cava led her nearest competitor by more than 34 percentage points.
The Miami Herald cited a response from Vanessa Innocent, assistant deputy supervisor of elections, to Otaola's campaign via email: "Recounts are not conducted upon request."
During an election night gathering at his farm in Homestead, Otaola expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the results and stated that he would not concede until a recount was conducted. His supporters, many of whom also back Trump, echoed suspicions of fraud.
Roberto Rodríguez, deputy supervisor of elections for Miami-Dade, emphasized that "the results are what they are" and invited any concerned citizens to visit the election office to see the tabulation process for themselves.
As of Wednesday night, Otaola's campaign had not issued any further official statements on the matter.
FAQs About Miami-Dade Election Results and Recount Policies
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Miami-Dade election results and the policies governing vote recounts.
What triggers an automatic vote recount in Miami-Dade elections?
In Miami-Dade, an automatic vote recount is triggered when the margin of victory is half a percentage point or less.
Why was Alexander Otaola's request for a recount denied?
Otaola's request for a recount was denied because the margin of victory did not meet the state's criteria for an automatic recount, which requires a margin of half a percentage point or less.
Who won the Miami-Dade mayoral election?
The incumbent, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, won the Miami-Dade mayoral election, securing over 58% of the votes.
What can citizens do if they have doubts about the election results?
Citizens with doubts about the election results are encouraged to visit the Miami-Dade election office to observe the tabulation process and verify the accuracy of the results.