By Billy Davis

District 2 supervisor candidate William Pride was examining ballot boxes this week after his 73-vote loss to Vernice Avant in the August 23 runoff.

The post-election examination, known as canvassing, can include scrutinizing absentee ballots and various Election Day materials.

The District 2 runoff two weeks ago amounted to a rematch between Pride and Avant, and it also represented Pride’s narrowest loss to Avant after a 141-vote loss in 2009.

In the recent runoff, Avant barely edged past her challenger at two precincts and the candidates tied at a third.  Pride carried one precinct while Avant carried four to win the runoff 802-729.  

In the 2009 election, Pride and his poll watchers alleged they observed questionable Election Day activities and he mulled a legal challenge to the outcome. He ultimately decided to forego a challenge, citing a lengthy court fight and his plans to run for the seat this year.

It was unclear if Pride was continuing the canvassing after it began Monday at the courthouse in Batesville but had stopped by mid-week.

Pride could not be reached for comment by press time Thursday.