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Hot Springs canvassing board certifies June 2 election, hears ballot-order complaint
Summary
The Hot Springs canvassing board adopted Resolution 2026-18 to declare the results of the June 2, 2026 municipal election, after election staff presented poll books and tallies. Candidate Bob Sprall told the board his name was listed second on the ballot despite winning a coin flip to be listed first; board members discussed recount procedures for a close race.
The Hot Springs canvassing board voted to certify the results of the June 2, 2026 municipal election by adopting Resolution 2026-18 after reviewing poll books, tally sheets and absentee records.
An election official presented the materials and described how absentee ballots were processed separately, logged and then combined with in-person ballots for tabulation. The official announced the ward winners and totals: Ward 1 — Larry Pratt 113 votes, Randy Graham 99; Ward 2 — David J. Burus 109, Bob Sprrent 80; Ward 4 — Gary Telamp 100, Ryan Warer 65. The board was asked to review and sign the official canvas sheets before the certification vote.
During public comment, candidate Bob Sprall — who identified himself and gave a Hot Springs address — told the board he had won a coin flip to be listed first on the ballot but later saw his name listed second and asked the canvassing board to take that discrepancy into consideration when reviewing the results. "I won the coin flip and asked to be placed first on the ballot. When the ballot came out ... my name was listed second," Sprall said.
Board members and staff discussed the ballot-entry process. A staff member noted receipt of an email from "Misty" about the candidate entries and apologized that the order had been reversed, saying the office will send future listings to affected entities for review before finalizing ballots.
Board members also discussed turnout and recount logistics. Staff explained that a recount proceeds by hand count across precincts using the collected election documents and that candidates may observe. The 2% threshold for triggering a recount was referenced; board members said a close race meeting that threshold would be subject to hand recount procedures and mentioned an in-person recount time of 9:00 a.m. as a likely arrangement.
After discussion, the board approved Resolution 2026-18 by roll-call vote. Council members recorded "Yes" votes during roll call: Jr. Huddleston, Deborah Johnston, Bill Lucans, Randy Graham, Craig Romy and Gary Telam. The board then adjourned.
The certification formalizes the announced totals; the canvassing board noted that any recounts required or requested under the applicable thresholds would proceed under the described hand-count process.
