The recount in House District 48 has begun today. The Travis County Elections Division will be examining the ballots that gave Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, a 16 vote lead over challenger Dan Neil.

This is a vital seat for both sides. If the Democrats keep it, then their 51 seats will be enough to help block any votes that require a supermajority. If they lose it to the GOP, then it will basically be impossible for them to do anything without the support of moderate Republicans.

Here's the full statement from the Travis County Elections Division:

County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir announced that the recount involving House District 48 has begun. The recount was requested after final results showed the winning candidate leading the nearest challenger by 16 votes in the November 2, 2010 election.

Democratic candidate Donna Howard received 25,026 votes to Republican candidate Dan Neil’s 25,010 votes. Libertarian candidate Ben Easton received 1,518 votes.

County Judge Sam Biscoe, in his role as the Recount Committee Supervisor, appointed former County Judge Bill Aleshire to serve as Chair of the Recount Committee.

The recount is anticipated to last at least two days, with work being conducted from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. If needed, work can be extended if additional time is needed to complete the duties of the committee.

At the conclusion of the recount committee’s work, a report of vote totals will be prepared by the Chair of the Recount Committee and presented to the Recount Supervisor. Judge Biscoe then will provide the final report to the Texas Secretary of State, who serves as the Recount Coordinator.

Multiple poll watchers representing candidates and political parties are present.

The public may witness the proceedings from an adjacent room beyond a distance of 30 feet, as specified by state law.

The recount committee is comprised of registered Travis County voters from the Democratic, Republican and Libertarian parties.

The recount is taking place at the County Clerk’s Elections Division office located at 5501 Airport Boulevard.