During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the handling of a test count for paper ballots in Elko County, with accusations of sabotage and mismanagement dominating the discussion. Commissioner Rex expressed deep disappointment over the test, which was conducted under rushed circumstances and resulted in a chaotic counting process that took two hours to tally just 25 ballots. He criticized the last-minute notification about the test and the complexity of the ballot, which was described as poorly designed and difficult to read.

The meeting revealed that the test count was marred by various issues, including ballots marked with felt-tip pens that bled through, making it hard to discern voter intent. Rex alleged that the test was deliberately sabotaged, stating that the county had missed a valuable opportunity to explore the feasibility of hand-counting ballots. He emphasized that the community had shown interest in trying a different voting method, but the execution of the test was inadequate.

Public comments echoed Rex's frustrations, with attendees highlighting a lack of training and preparation for those involved in the counting process. Misty Atkins, a member of the public, noted that participants were not provided with necessary instructions in advance, leading to confusion and inefficiency during the count. She pointed out that the ballots were not only mismarked but also lacked proper sections for recording votes, further complicating the process.

The meeting also touched on broader concerns about election integrity, with attendees questioning the reliability of the current voting system and the management of election data. Vicky Higgins raised issues regarding discrepancies in the election data posted online, suggesting a need for better transparency and accuracy in reporting.

As the meeting concluded, the sentiment among commissioners and the public was clear: there is a pressing need for reform in the election process to restore trust and ensure that future tests and elections are conducted fairly and effectively. The discussions underscored a growing demand for accountability and a reevaluation of the systems in place to manage elections in Elko County.