The New Bedford Election Commission Office has confirmed Ward Five candidate Jan Baptist has pulled recount papers.

Baptist lost last week's election to Kerry Winterson by 36 votes.

Election Commissioner Maria Tomasia tells WBSM News Baptist has until 5pm Friday to return the papers with at least ten valid signatures from Ward Five residents. If Baptist returns the valid signatures by the deadline, the Election Commission will schedule a recount of last Tuesday's ballots.

Baptist declined to speak on air, but tells WBSM News she has not yet decided if she will pursue a recount, adding it's a "frustrating" and "difficult" decision.

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