Former county clerk to be in jail during Elections

THOMPSON FALLS - Dianne Rummel was immediately taken into custody at Sanders County Jail following her 90-day sentencing last Tuesday. The former Clerk of District Court was tried in September, and was found guilty of official misconduct. With that conviction, she was ordered to forfeit her office as Clerk of District Court; however, Rummel had filed for office re-election back in the June Primaries and her name is currently on the ballot.

“Her name is still on the ballot because they were printed before the trial happened,” Sanders County Clerk & Recorder and Election Administrator Jennine Robbins said. “She will still be in jail on Election Night, and has been permanently banned from office or ever running for that office serving as an elected official.”

Robbins also confirmed that since Rummel’s name will be on the ballot, people can cast a vote for her, however, the vote would be a waste. Also on the ballot for Clerk of District Court for Sanders County is Rummel’s former co-worker Candy Fisher, who currently works in the District court as a deputy clerk.

Rummel had been Clerk of District Court for 14 years. 

The sentecing was presided over Judge James B. Wheelis of Lincoln County due to Rummel’s close professional ties with Sanders County courthouse officials and judges.