No votes changed Friday after a recount in the June 10 runoff election for the district 1 seat on the Benton County Quorum Court.

Mike McKenzie, the incumbent, asked for the recount after losing the runoff by five votes to Ron Easley. McKenzie and Easley both observed Friday's recount as the Benton County Election Commission hand-counted the paper ballots cast in the race and then tabulated the precinct-by-precinct results reported on the county's electronic voting machines. The initial recount showed a difference of one vote. A second review showed the discrepancy was in the paper ballots and when they were re-checked, the count matched the election-night results.

McKenzie said after the recount he was satisfied with what he observed.

"It's good to see," McKenzie said after receiving an explanation of how the electronic voting machines work and watching the recount. "As far as the process, you've got a good one. I'm disappointed in the result but a a voter and a taxpayer I'm glad to see the process was good and accurate."

The final election-night tally showed Easley received 304 votes, or 50.4 percent. McKenzie received 299 votes, or 49 percent. Those numbers were unchanged by the recount.

Voters in District 1 chose between McKenzie and political newcomer Easley in the runoff after they led a four-candidate field in the May 20 primary. Easley received 522 votes, or 36 percent, in the primary. McKenzie received 430 votes, or 30 percent. Elizabeth Bowen received 335 votes, or 23 percent, and Mary L. Gardner received 175 votes, or 12 percent.

District 1 covers much of the eastern part of the county.

Easley said he's excited about winning the race and said he was confident in the election process.

"I was confident the recount would be what it was and it is," he said.

Easley said he understood McKenzie's request for a recount.

"When it's narrow like this it's understandable," he said. "We'd obviously like to have more voters get out and participate. We do appreciate those who did."

John Brown Jr. election commission chairman, said he was proud of the election commission staff and their conduct of the election was ratified when the recount matched the election-night totals.

"We proved the process worked," Brown said.