Atlantic judge grants Fernandez’s recount request

Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez granted a recount request filed by Democratic freeholder candidate Celeste Fernandez Wednesday.

Fernandez finished 381 votes behind Republican Freeholder John Risley, 66,427-66,046.

It’s not clear when the recount will begin. Mendez said the Atlantic County Board of Elections must first finish its audit. He ordered that be done by 4 p.m. on Dec. 4.

The parties will work out how and when to conduct the recount at a hearing on Dec. 7 at 1:30 p.m.