PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - A recount is underway in Portsmouth Tuesday, following a tight city council race. Councilman De'Andre Barnes requested a recount after finishing behind his opponent Bill Dodson Jr. by just 21 votes — with Barnes at 11,718 votes to Dodson's 11,739. The recount comes after recent controversy with Barnes, who is accused of forcibly pushing his wife into a door of a residence on Dec. 8, according to court documents. Police: Portsmouth councilman Barnes arrested after domestic dispute In November, Barnes was also arrested and then subsequently released following an alleged domestic violence situation with his daughter. Child protective services were notified, and Barnes was not charged with a crime in this incident. The recount is taking place at Portsmouth Circuit Court, and is projected to be done within a day or two. WAVY confirmed one of the machines jammed, so the process is taking a little longer than expected. Recount underway in the Portsmouth City Council race. Dec. 17, 2024. (PhotoS by: Walter Hildebrand/WAVY) On the same day the recount began, Barnes was expected to be in court at 9 a.m. for an arraignment in connection with the Dec. 8 domestic assault arrest. Norfolk will also have a recount on Thursday for the Superward 7 race for City Council. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.