Update: 22 Dec - The Electoral Commission has rejected the application for a recount.

A recount of the Kiama election has been applied for by the Kiama Greens, given that, after distribution of preferences, there was only eight votes between Stuart Larkin (Kiama Labor) being elected over Tania George (Kiama Greens).

“Considering it is such a small margin, I think it is worthwhile to investigate it,” says Ms George.

The final two places were decided on preferences yesterday, with Warren Steel getting 1156 votes, Stuart Larkin getting 1108 and Ms George 1100. All were below the quota of 1,502, due to the extinguishing of votes when their preferences ran out.

The application still has to be approved by the Electoral Commission. We shall add to this report when the decision is known.