If anybody ever tells you that your vote doesn’t count, you might want to consult with Rayonte Bell of Benton Harbor. Bell, who ran on the Democratic ticket for Berrien County’s Board of Commissioners 5th District Seat and ended up in a dead heat tie with Republican Bruce Gorenflo on election day, emerged today as the winner in a recount conducted by the Berrien County Board of Canvassers, winning by four votes.
Amazingly for Bell, victory comes after he had already be declared the loser in a tiebreaker drawing before that same Board of Canvassers.
He and Gorenflo drew lots that day, and Bell was allowed to draw first based on coming closest to the number the chair had selected. When he drew first, he ended up selecting a tab of paper that said “Not Elected,” while Gorenflo draw second and picked the tab saying “Elected.”
Both men were told they could ask for a recount, and Bell did just that. He asked for the recount of votes cast in precincts in the City of St. Joseph and part of St. Joseph Township.
The recount was conducted today and Bell emerged the winner by a margin of 3,944 to 3,940. He responded by simply saying, “I’m in total shock.” He will serve as the next 5th District Commissioner on the Berrien County Board following today’s win.
