Grand Rapids marijuana.jpg

(MLive.com File Photo)

LAPEER, MI -- Lapeer County Clerk Theresa Spencer said independent election inspectors found one additional yes vote and one additional no vote during a recount of the failed Nov. 4 marijuana ballot proposal in the city of Lapeer.

The change still left the proposal -- asking for all residents over 21 to be able to possess less than one ounce of marijuana on private property -- six votes short of passing. The final count was 928 no to 922 yes votes.

"It was interesting, because both votes came from the same precinct," said Spencer of the recount that was requested by Lapeer attorney Bernard Jocuns, a supporter of the initiative backed by the Safer Michigan Coalition.

Eight independent election inspectors -- two per precinct -- were hired to conduct the recount Monday, Dec. 8, in the jury assembly room, Spencer said, under watch of the Lapeer County Board of Canvassers that certified the final result.

Jocuns paid a $40 deposit for the recount -- $10 per precinct -- that's credited to the city for expenses. The city will have to pay the county $707.18 to cover remaining expenses, including wages and travel expenses.

He called for the recount after noticing three of the city's four precincts had passed the proposal. Jocuns previously said another attempt will be made to approve such a proposal in the city, citing a need for additional information to overcome myths regarding marijuana.

Saginaw, Port Huron, Mt. Pleasant, Huntington Woods, Berkley and Pleasant Ridge all passed ballot proposals regarding marijuana during the November election, while voters in Frankfort, Onaway, Clare and Harrison declined proposals for some form of decriminalization.