Next week, a recount will take place in Bemidji’s District 5 primary election. Incumbent Lynn Eaton (left) received 126 votes, Bill Batchelder (center) 106 and Michael Meehlhause (right) 99.

Next week there will be a recount of the Bemidji City Council primary election, which was extremely close.

In the race for Bemidji’s 5th District, incumbent Lynn Eaton received 126 votes, while Bemidji businessman Bill Batchelder received 106 votes and former council member Michael Meehlhause received 99. The two candidates with the most votes will advance to the general election.

Meehlhause has requested a recount. Since the difference in votes between him and Batchelder is 10 votes or less and the total number of votes cast is less than 400, the recount must be approved under state law.

State law requires that the recount be provided to candidates free of charge.

The recount will be conducted by Beltrami County Auditor-Treasurer JoDee Treat on August 28 at 12:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Beltrami County Administration Building. The recount is open to the public and candidates.

Correction: This article originally said Bill Batchelder received 104 votes – updated numbers on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website show he received 106 votes in the primary.