Visiting Senior Judge Kenneth Valasek denied a request by judicial candidate Jennifer Gilliland Vanasdale to conduct an informal, internal recount of absentee ballots.

Vanasdale's attorney Sean Logue appeared in a hearing before Valasek Tuesday, along with Bureau of Elections director Shari Brewer and her attorney, Kathleen Goldman. Logue said that absentee ballots tipped William “Wink” Robinson into winning the Democratic nomination for Court of Common Pleas judge by six votes and that Vanasdale is interested in self-validating that count.

“I conclude that the petitioner is not entitled to the informal recount that she requests because there is simply no provision for it in the Pennsylvania Election Code,” Valasek said, denying Vanasdale's request. “The only remedy that the code provides for her is a formal recount as provided in the election code.” Vanasdale would be required to help cover the costs of a formal recount if she pursues that course of action.

Read this full story in Wednesday's edition of the Butler Eagle.