Ballot blunder for absentees in Mineral County

Instructions for the Mineral County absentee ballots mailed out from Oct. 12-16 have incorrect information, and is causing concern among county officials.

The ballots contain verbiage from the Primary Election where voters are to only vote “one party ballot.” This is incorrect, since voters can choose candidates from both parties.

“There is only one ballot,” Mineral County Elections Administrator Staci McGrew said in a statement last week, “It contains all parties for races that had multiple candidates. Ignore the verbiage stating vote ‘only one party ballot.’ Follow the instructions that are stated on the ballot for each race.”

McGrew has been working to get the word out regarding the error, including posts on local Facebook pages, an ad in this week’s Mineral Independent, and a mailing to county resident. She was also asking for everybody’s help in getting the word out about ºthe error.

Ballots received by the elections office are not being receipted until McGrew is certain that nobody wants to change their ballots. “If you come into contact with a voter who feels they voted incorrectly based on the incorrect instructions please have them contact the office immediately to have the situation corrected,” she said.

Voters can get a replacement ballot from the Mineral County Clerk and call 406-822-3520 for information.

McGrew has held her position as clerk and recorder for two terms, and did not run for a third. Kelann McLees won a four-way primary for the position in June. She starts her new job in January.