Election Day complete, but with challenges

Vernon County residents look at election results posted in the courthouse Tuesday night. Michelle Workman/Daily Mail

Nevada Daily Mail

While the polls closed at 7 p.m., Tuesday, for the April election in Vernon County, that was just part of the election process that began with weeks of preparation, while the final results continued to be tallied through the week.

Although county clerk Mike Buehler said overall the election went fairly smoothly, he added it was not without a variety of "hiccoughs" that made it interesting.

"I've had it all dealt to me on this one," Buehler said of the election, adding he wished it had not all happened on his very first election as clerk.

Trouble began when some of the ballots the county received last week were incorrect. That problem was resolved Friday and Saturday, in time for the Tuesday election. But even then, the ballot machines would not accept some of the ballots, forcing them to be hand-counted, instead.

When all the votes from the different polling locations made their way to the county courthouse, initial results showed a tie between two Nevada City Council candidates.

Buehler said he contacted the secretary of state to check on the proper procedure for such a situation. He learned the decision will be left to the city, who can request a judge's order for a recount at the city's expense, the city's other options include holding a special election, which according to City Clerk Bev Baker would cost around $5,500 and take about a month; a candidate deciding to concede; or the city could hold a coin toss or draw straws to determine the winner.

In the meantime, the county will canvas the ballots next week, counting ballots from the poll locations once again to confirm the results. Buehler will then gather those results, certifying them and turning them in to the state.

As opposed to other elections, Buehler decided to use just two people at some of the polls instead of the four that had been used previously. He made that decision based on the low voter turnouts in recent years other than the major elections. Buehler said even with fewer helpers, they were not overwhelmed at any of the locations and the decision saved the county money.

This election, almost 12 percent of the more than 11,000 registered voters in Vernon County participated. Although it was a slight increase over the 2014 election's numbers, Buehler said he had hoped for an even better turnout.

"It's kind of disappointing that more people didn't come out to vote," Buehler said. "It's pretty important for the citizens to use that right."

But despite the troubles they faced this election, Buehler said they had prepared enough in advance that they were able to handle each situation as it arose.

"Preparation is the key to any successful election," Buehler said, adding they will begin their preparations even further in advance next time.