Calgary Ward 1 ballots to be recounted

The ballots in Ward 1 will be recounted, according to Calgary's returning officer.

The battle to replace retired Dale Hodges was very close.Candidate Chris Harper securing 8,639 votes and Ward Sutherland counting 8,724 votes, according to the unofficial results.

"It could have swung either way, right down to the end, which it did ... so it was pretty exciting," said Sutherland.

• Hear his full interview on the Calgary Eyeopener Tuesday morning by clicking on the "Listen" button above.

Returning officer Barb Clifford said Tuesday the ballots castin the Ward 1 councillor race will be recounted starting at9 a.m. MT Wednesday.

"A recount is occurring because it has been determined that the number of rejected ballots ... is higher than the difference between the top two candidates,"read a city press release.

"Once the recount has been completed, results will be distributed to the media and public."