In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the results of a recent election, revealing a total of 4,912 ballots counted, which included 4,000 mail-in ballots, 288 in-person votes, and 34 UACAVA ballots. The participation rate was initially reported as 1%, but officials clarified that a more accurate figure, based on the number of ballots sent out, is 18.6%. This discrepancy arose from the open primary nature of the election, which allowed any registered voter to participate, yet the turnout was primarily from Democrats and a few unaffiliated voters.

Officials noted that 247 ballots were challenged, with 168 remaining uncured, likely due to the perceived lack of impact on the election results. They reported a total of 653 ballots rejected for non-curable reasons, primarily due to being undeliverable, which accounted for 2.8% of the total ballots sent out. Additionally, 77 ballots were returned with postmarks after the deadline.

The discussion also highlighted the need for clarity in reporting voter turnout statistics. Officials debated the appropriate number of active registered Democrats to use for calculating turnout, with suggestions to align with state recommendations. The meeting underscored the complexities of accurately reporting election statistics, particularly in open primaries where voter registration can fluctuate up to the election date.

Concerns were raised about the difference between the total ballots cast and the total votes counted, which showed a discrepancy of 33 ballots. This was attributed to a combination of under votes, over votes, and blank ballots, with some voters reportedly casting blank ballots as a form of protest.

Overall, the meeting emphasized the importance of transparency and accuracy in election reporting, as officials seek to ensure that the statistics reflect the true participation of voters in the electoral process.