SPOKANE -- Spokane County election workers will begin a hand recount today of more than 70,000 ballots to decide the winner of the 6th Legislative District race between republican John Ahern and democrat John Driscoll.

Election workers will count more than 70,000 ballots by hand to decide a local state House race.

After the final machine tally, Driscoll led the incumbent by 74 votes. However, because the race was within a quarter of a percent, a hand recount is required.

The hand recount will be certified Friday morning.

Observers from both parties will be at the county elections office to watch the recount.