By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill (R) says that he will not delay today’s state canvassing board meeting and will certify that Clinton era U.S. Attorney Doug Jones (D) is the winner of the December 12 special election for U.S. Senate.
Late Wednesday, Republican Candidate Judge Roy Moore had filed a challenge of the election alleging that voter fraud cost him the election and asked the state canvassing board to delay certification of the election.
Merrill told The Associated Press Wednesday evening that he has no intention of delaying the state canvassing board meeting.
“It is not going to delay certification and Doug Jones will be certified (Thursday) at 1 p.m. and he will be sworn in by Vice President Pence on the third of January,” Merrill said.
Merrill is supposed to meet with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) and Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) today to certify the results.
Judge Moore said in a statement last night, “This is not a Republican or Democrat issue as election integrity should matter to everyone. We call on Secretary of State Merrill to delay certification until there is a thorough investigation of what three independent election experts agree took place: election fraud sufficient to overturn the outcome of the election.”
If the final results are within a half a percentage point then an automatic recount would be triggered; but according to preliminary results released by the Secretary of State’s website the race will not be that close.
While Moore has not conceded the election, his opponent, Doug Jones is already hiring staff and preparing to go to D.C. Jones said to Moore through the media, “Do the right thing Roy. It is time for us to heal.”
