Office of Public Instruction race too close to call

Two days after the election, the race for state Superintendent of Public Instruction is separated by just a relative handful of votes. Incumbent Democrat Denise Juneau has 231,977 votes to Martin City Republican Sandy Welch’s 230,377 votes — a margin of just 1,600 votes.

Of the 795 precincts in the state, 743 have fully reported and 51 have partially reported.

Juneau currently has 50.09 percent of the vote while Welch has 49.75 percent.

Votes from Yellowstone County are causing the delay.

The tight margin could force a recount if the margin of difference does not exceed one-half of one percent of the total votes cast in the position. The defeated candidate must file a petition with the secretary of state within five days of the official state canvas.