WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The tightest race in Whatcom County’s primary election is likely heading to a recount.

Michael Shepard currently leads Eamonn Collins by just nine votes in their race for state senate in District 42 following the latest tally from the Auditor’s Office Friday afternoon, Aug. 7.

According to the Auditor’s Office, there’s only one ballot left to count in the unofficial tally.

The winner between the two Democrats will join Republican Erika Creydt on the general election ballot in November.

State law requires a hand recount when there is a difference of less than 1,000 votes and less than a quarter of a percent of the total votes cast for both candidates.

It’s shaping up to be the only recount in Whatcom County’s primary.

If necessary, the recount wouldn’t start until after election results are certified on Tuesday, Aug. 18.