During a recent government meeting, council members discussed the certification of the municipal general election results held on November 5, 2024. A resolution was proposed to adopt the results, but an error was identified in the vote count for mayor. The count for candidate Jen Miller was incorrectly listed as 69,334 votes instead of the correct figure of 6,934. The council moved to adopt the resolution with this amendment.

The chair clarified that the council's role was solely to certify the accuracy of the vote counts, not to evaluate any other aspects of the election process. Public comments were invited, and one resident, Stephanie Hack, raised concerns about accessibility issues at city hall. She described her experience of being locked out due to a malfunctioning handicapped accessible door.

Hack also addressed the election process, highlighting the removal of certain candidates from the ballot due to missed filing deadlines. She emphasized the importance of treating all candidates equally and adhering to established procedures. Hack pointed out that if candidates are disqualified for not meeting deadlines, the same standards should apply to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation.

Following her comments, council members expressed their appreciation for the city clerk's efforts during the election. They acknowledged the challenges faced and the importance of following legal protocols. In response to Hack's concerns about potential legal issues surrounding the certification, a motion was made to enter executive session for legal advice.

The meeting concluded with the council preparing to discuss the matter further in private, ensuring that all legal considerations would be addressed before moving forward with the certification of the election results.