Atlantic Beach residents are watching a nail‑biting finish to the City Commission race for Seat 4. After all counted votes, retired resident Lisa Herrold leads her opponent, facilities administrator Jennifer Lagner, by just two votes – 3,156 to 3,154.
Recount timeline and rules
Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland explained on The Morning Show that the county must wait at least ten days before a recount can start. The delay allows time for all mail‑in ballots – including those from military members and civilians overseas – to arrive and be processed.
“There is enough out there with a two‑vote difference to make a difference,” Holland said, describing the situation as a “nail‑biting see‑saw night.” He noted that the race has already swung several times: at one point Lagner held a two‑vote lead, then Herrold took a five‑vote advantage after mail‑in ballots were tallied, and finally the provisional ballot count reduced Herrold’s lead to the current two‑vote margin.
What voters can still do
Voters whose mail‑in ballots were rejected – often because of a missing signature – have until 5 p.m. Thursday to correct the issue and have their votes counted. The candidates receive a list of those voters, giving them the opportunity to reach out and encourage corrections before the deadline.
Automatic recount triggers
Florida law mandates an automatic mechanical recount if the final vote difference is within 0.5 percent of the total votes cast. If the margin falls within 0.25 percent, the canvassing board will also review ballots rejected for overvotes or undervotes. These thresholds ensure that extremely close races receive a thorough, transparent review.
Candidate priorities
Both candidates have outlined the three issues they consider most important for Atlantic Beach. Herrold, 63, emphasized managing growth while preserving the town’s character, maintaining long‑term financial health, and addressing infrastructure and public‑safety needs. Lagner, 58, focused on growth and development, infrastructure resilience, and protecting community character and quality of life.
Why the race matters locally
The Atlantic Beach City Commission guides decisions that directly affect daily life – from zoning and development to public‑safety funding and beach‑front maintenance. A single seat can tip the balance on how the city balances growth with the preservation of its historic, family‑friendly atmosphere.
Next steps
Once the ten‑day waiting period ends, the county will verify whether the vote margin meets the statutory thresholds for an automatic recount. If it does, a mechanical recount will be conducted, followed by a possible manual review of any disputed ballots. The process is designed to be transparent and to uphold the integrity of the election, giving Atlantic Beach voters confidence that every vote counts.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Duval County Supervisor of Elections website and local news outlets for updates on the recount status and any further deadlines.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
