Christina Drewry. (Contributed Photo)

Smith County Commissioner Precinct 1 Pam Frederick has petitioned for a manual recount of votes in the March 5 primary election.

The recount is petitioned on the grounds that the difference between Frederick and her opponent was less than 10%, according to Smith County Republican Party Chairman David Stein.

Unofficial election results published by Smith County showed Frederick being narrowly bested by her opponent, Christina Drewry, by 95 votes. Drewry received 50.52%, or 4,630 votes, compared to Frederick’s 49.48%, or 4,535 votes.

Frederick, a retired teacher and 20-year governmental professional who served 11 years as Bullard’s mayor, was sworn in to serve Precinct 1 on Nov. 9, 2022. According to her website, Drewery is a mother, servant, and wife who believes she brings a valuable perspective to the role.

Only Commissioner Precinct 1 will be recounted. This includes voter registration precincts 33, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 50, 54, 58, 64, 71, 74, 75 and 79.

No electronic devices capable of recording images or sounds are allowed within 30 feet of the recount room entrance or inside the recount room unless the device is turned off.

The recount will be conducted at the Cotton Belt Building at 9 a.m. March 26.

Those who are allowed to be present during the recount include the chair of the recount, recount members, candidates, up to two watchers per recount team, the custodian of the voted ballots, the recount supervisor, and state or federal inspectors.

The recount chair and recount members have not been selected.