Today’s local recount of Republican gubernatorial ballots is a “go,” Covington County chief probate clerk Karen Lawson said Monday.

The statewide recount request was made by Greenville businessman Tim James, who came in a close third in the June 2 primary election.

James is now challenging the Republican Party’s action naming Bradley Byrne and Dr. Robert Bentley as the candidates for a runoff before a statewide recount is completed.

James filed the election contest with the state party Monday morning.

It challenges the party’s certifying Byrne and Bentley for the runoff July 13.

State Party Chairman Mike Hubbard said a recount will begin in many counties today, and he hopes to have it completed Wednesday afternoon.

Then, he said, the burden will be on James to determine the next step.

Bentley’s campaign manager Bryan Sanders said the recount will be done by volunteers, and it’s likely to be less accurate than the official count done by trained election workers.

In Covington County, eight poll workers, operating four tabulators, have been tasked with performing the recount, which is set to begin at 1 p.m. in the county administration building on Hillcrest Drive.

The public is welcome to view the recount, space permitting.