Once the recount is finished, the new count will be certified, but Bozeman said a Certificate of Election will not be issued until after four vote protests are addressed, because they could potentially impact the sheriff’s race. A State Board of Elections official is expected to return to Columbus County Friday morning to help resolve the formal complaints that have been filed surrounding Columbus County’s November election. Most of the protests, including one filed by County Commissioner Amon McKenzie, involve ballot and voting issues in Tabor City.