Votes counted in support of the library annexation continued to lead through the week, although the gap shrunk to a hair.

The difference between those voting for and against annexing the Renton library to the King County Library System was only 46 votes Thursday. The gap has varied little from the mid-40s range for most of the week.

“I think it’s definitely up in the air. It’s pretty close,” said Nicole Wicks, co-chair of the group for the annexation.

About 31 percent of the city’s 40,927 mail-in ballots were counted. With few ballots left to be delivered, overcoming the gap grows more difficult.

The county only had seven uncounted ballots from Renton residents Wednesday night.

A feeling of defeat filled the library this week, said Marcie Palmer, a key figure opposing the annexation. “They’re just dejected and angry at the city.”

A group of five registered voters can request a recount through the King County Elections Division within three days after the Feb. 24 vote certification, said elections spokesperson Kim van Ekstrom.

Those opposed to the annexation aren’t sure if they’ll request a recount, as it could cost a couple thousand dollars.

“I don’t know if the group is strong enough emotionally to deal with it,” Palmer said.

Those who supported the annexation are not considering a recount, if the results flip.

“Unless there is a reason to believe they’ve been improperly counted, I don’t see a reason to,” Wicks said.

The annexation was the only item on the Feb. 9 ballot. This reduces the chance for human error, van Ekstrom said.

Having a vote-by-mail election also prevents problems, she said. “We have the very latest technology equipment that scans and tabulates votes.”

The vote was 6,371 for the annexation and 6,325 against as of Thursday. The county doesn’t plan to release new results on Friday.

“I did have a strong feeling that it would be close, but 46 votes is kind of a surprise. A bit disappointing, actually,” said Peter Hartley, a Renton Library Board member who favored the annexation, of Tuesday’s count.

Meanwhile those against the annexation expressed anger with the City of Renton, which issued a correction to a key figure in the debate after ballots were mailed.

On Feb. 9, five ballots were slid under the King County Election Division’s former Renton office, instead of being properly mailed or put into a ballot box.

Knowing that there might still be confusion, the Election’s Division drove to each of the locations there were former lock boxes to see if there were ballots dropped off.

“Despite your best messaging, you know that people potentially didn’t know,” van Ekstrom said. “Most voters did it right.”

All the ballots collected before 8 p.m. Tuesday were accepted, including the five from Renton.