Oklahoma City – Sheryl Janis, Candidate for Edmond City Council (Ward 4), officially filed her Petition for Recount today with the Oklahoma County Election Board. Faced with an impossible deadline, and $0 left in the campaign budget, Janis’ supporters rallied to her defense Thursday evening and raised an astounding $1,975 in only 3 hours in a fundraiser spearheaded by Ignite Liberty.
An overwhelmed Janis stated that her concern is solely that the election reflected the will of the voters. “My only goal is to ensure that the election reflects the true and accurate will of the Edmond voters,” Janis remarked, “regardless of who ends up winning in the end.”
She added, “I am overwhelmed and deeply humbled that people would rally around me for this reason. I am astonished at the enormous outpouring of love and support from those who supported me, and even those who did not. It’s obvious that Edmond voters care deeply about election integrity, and I am committed to ensuring that our elections are truly the safest and most secure in the country.”
The recount has been officially scheduled for April 20th at the Oklahoma County Election Board. Counting will begin at 10:00am sharp and continue around the clock until all cast ballots (including absentee) have been recounted. Ignite Liberty will be spearheading the efforts to organize volunteers to serve as poll watchers/counters/challengers for the Janis Campaign. Those interested in volunteering to help the recount can email us directly at patriot@igniteliberty.net.
Best and Lariviere Stand Down
Meanwhile both the Margaret Best (Edmond School Board) and Derek Lariviere (Deer Creek School Board) campaigns have decided not to challenge the Tuesday elections. While there was evidence of suspicious activity at some of the polling places, neither campaign felt that the results of a recount would flip their races. Best lost to Lee Ann Kuhlman by 320 votes (8.9% of the vote). Lariviere lost to Michael Kiehn by 152 votes (5.6% of the vote).
In an interview with Ignite Liberty, Lariviere thanked his supporters, stating, “I am deeply grateful for the enormous support that I received from the Deer Creek community. My family and I have lived here for years, and my kids have attended Deer Creek schools since Kindergarten. Despite our loss this Tuesday, we remain deeply committed to our friends and neighbors, and I look forward to continuing to serve our community.Stay tuned for my next steps, this is just the beginning!”
Best echoed those sentiments when speaking with Ignite Liberty Thursday evening. “I am overwhelmed by the incredible support I have received from the Edmond community. While the relentless attacks my family and I have received during this campaign have been extremely difficult, we remain committed to the Edmond community and to making Edmond Public School the best school district in the state.”
Both Best and Lariviere have pledged their support to help Sheryl Janis’ recount efforts, and have called upon their supporters to volunteer.