PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Two legislative primary races in southeast South Dakota are headed for recounts.
The Republican primaries for the District 17 Senate and District 19 House races both finished with narrow margins, according to state election officials.
The Yankton Press and Dakotan reports those vote differences each fell within 2% of the ballots cast, which qualifies under state law for a recount if the losing candidate requests it, which they did.
In the District 17 Senate race, incumbent Art Rusch of Vermillion defeated challenger Nancy Rasmussen of Hurley by six voted of nearly 2,000 cast.
In the District 19 House race, incumbent Kent Peterson of Salem and challenger Jessica Bahmuller of Alexandria claimed the two available spots with 1,881 and 1,741 votes, respectively. The third candidate, incumbent Marty Overweg of New Holland, finished with 1,720 votes.
Recounts must be completed within 14 days following the filing of the petition request.
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