Counties across the 12th Congressional District and across the state were supposed to certify their vote totals Monday and send them to the state.
Ashley Holt, public information officer for the Georgia Secretary of State's office, said the state will certify the votes on Wednesday, which "at that point, (will be) official and complete," she said.
With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Democratic incumbent John Barrow had a 929-vote lead over Republican challenger Max Burns. Barrow has received 71,542 votes, while Burns has 70,613.
That margin is within the one percent necessary for a recount, Holt said.
"If the difference between the top two vote getters is one percent or less, than the losing candidate can request, in writing, a recount," she said.
If the candidate asks and the margin is one percent or less, the recount will be granted, but it's not automatic, Holt said.
"They have to ask," she said.
Barrow claimed last week that the race is over, but Burns maintained the election is too close to call and remained optimistic while calling for all votes to be counted.
The Barrow/Burns race was one of the most hotly contested races in the nation, with President George W. Bush visiting the area twice on behalf of Burns, including a campaign stop in Statesboro.
Barrow defeated Burns in a 2004 match up by slightly more than 7,000 votes and shortly after his defeat, Burns announced his intention to run again.
While Barrow was in office, the Georgia legislature redrew the district lines, eliminating Barrow's home of Athens from the 12th District, making it more Republican-friendly.
Ashley Holt, public information officer for the Georgia Secretary of State's office, said the state will certify the votes on Wednesday, which "at that point, (will be) official and complete," she said.
With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Democratic incumbent John Barrow had a 929-vote lead over Republican challenger Max Burns. Barrow has received 71,542 votes, while Burns has 70,613.
That margin is within the one percent necessary for a recount, Holt said.
"If the difference between the top two vote getters is one percent or less, than the losing candidate can request, in writing, a recount," she said.
If the candidate asks and the margin is one percent or less, the recount will be granted, but it's not automatic, Holt said.
"They have to ask," she said.
Barrow claimed last week that the race is over, but Burns maintained the election is too close to call and remained optimistic while calling for all votes to be counted.
The Barrow/Burns race was one of the most hotly contested races in the nation, with President George W. Bush visiting the area twice on behalf of Burns, including a campaign stop in Statesboro.
Barrow defeated Burns in a 2004 match up by slightly more than 7,000 votes and shortly after his defeat, Burns announced his intention to run again.
While Barrow was in office, the Georgia legislature redrew the district lines, eliminating Barrow's home of Athens from the 12th District, making it more Republican-friendly.