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Resident alleges election irregularities at Fort Thompson satellite site; auditor says state offices approved arrangement
Summary
During public comment a resident alleged the auditor’s office staffed a satellite voting location while that auditor was on the ballot and that family members were paid for election duties; the auditor said she consulted state offices and followed guidance, and speakers suggested pursuing formal review with the Secretary of State or court if unresolved.
A member of the public addressed the commission during public comment to raise concerns about how a Fort Thompson satellite election site was staffed during an early-voting period and whether state rules were followed. The commenter alleged the satellite office was "manned by the auditor whose name was on the ballot," and questioned whether family members had been paid to serve on election boards.
The auditor/finance officer responded that she had sought and relied on guidance from the state's attorney offices and the Secretary of State and said she did not act without approval. "I did nothing without their approval," the auditor said, describing a process of consulting state officials and the attorney general's office about the satellite office and staffing arrangements.
Other participants urged the commenter to provide documentation and noted that, if disagreements persist, the Secretary of State or the courts are the formal remedies. One attendee said they had contacted the Secretary of State and attempted to obtain hours and voter lists; the auditor noted a post-election audit had been completed and that the county operates a federally funded HAVA satellite registration site in some locations.
No formal action was taken by the board at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to follow up if additional evidence or formal complaints are provided to the office or to the Secretary of State.
