Why It Matters
A full recount in Idaho’s Latah County found no changes to the outcomes of races or ballot issues after 2,343 ballots were left out of the state’s unofficial Election Day reporting system.
The ballots had been processed by tabulation machines but were not uploaded to the state system. They represented 12.9% of the 18,104 ballots cast in the county.
What Happened
The Latah County Clerk’s Office conducted the recount Tuesday under the oversight of the Idaho Office of the Secretary of State. The work was completed early Wednesday morning.
Julie Fry, the Latah County clerk, said the office takes its duty to report election results accurately seriously and acknowledged that the error should not have occurred.
The recount did not alter the result of the Moscow School District Plant Facilities Reserve Fund Levy, which received 60.34% support. The measure required at least 60% to pass.
In the Latah County commissioner race, Dan Schoenberg defeated Laura Heinse by 129 votes. Heinse submitted a complaint to Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane.
By the Numbers
- 2,343: ballots missing from the state’s unofficial reporting system
- 18,104: total ballots cast in Latah County
- 12.9%: share of county ballots represented by the unreported ballots
- 60.34%: support for the Moscow school levy
- 129: Schoenberg’s margin over Heinse
Zoom Out
Idaho election officials are also preparing for post-election audit work. The Idaho State Board of Canvassers is set to select counties and precincts for reviews that may include hand counts and examinations of reported results.
Bannock County officials separately reported 333 uncounted ballots, but said those ballots would not change race outcomes.
What’s Next
Last week’s election results remain unofficial until certification by the State Board of Canvassers. The board is scheduled to meet Nov. 24.
McGrane said Idaho elections include safeguards intended to ensure votes are counted and reported accurately. The Idaho State Board of Canvassers also has a meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday.
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