Bowden, like other probate officials in the state, spent the day readying for what could be the first recount of a primary gubernatorial election in Alabama history after just 167 votes separated second-place finisher Dr. Robert Bentley from third-place finisher Tim James.

James said earlier in the week he would seek a recount in each of Alabama’s 67 counties; however, that official decision will not be announced until Monday.

Until then, Bowden is getting ready. He said before a local recount is completed, payment arrangements must be finalized.

He said it will take eight poll workers an estimated two-and-a-half hours to count the 30-boxes of ballots, which includes absentee and provisional ballots and will cost an estimated $2,194.26 . That total has been sent to the James campaign to cover the expenses associated with the recount, he said.

“Our plan is to use four tabulators (or machines) with poll workers feeding the ballots one precinct at a time,” he said. “Meaning that we can count four precincts at a time. It took 12 ½ hours on Election Day, so we’re just guessing on the time.”

The recount is tentatively set for Tues., June 15, at 1 p.m. in the commission chambers on Hillcrest Drive. It is open to the public, Bowden said.

Yesterday, the state Republican Party certified official results from the June 3 primary election, putting Bradley Byrne and Robert Bently in a runoff.

Later in the afternoon, Attorney General Troy King advised the state’s top election official that Byrne’s and Bentley’s names should appear on the Republican runoff ballot for governor on July 13.

King issued an advisory that said James could use a recount to file an election contest with the Republican Party after a nominee is picked July 13.