The Garfield County Sheriff’s race has been officially decided by one vote. Friday’s hand recount of ballots from last month’s election had Sheriff Drew Hyer prevailing over Chief Deputy Sheriff Steve Krouse by a single vote – 584 to 583.
The hand count was required under state law because the margin was so close after a machine count of the remaining mail-in ballots was completed last Tuesday. The machine count put Hyer ahead by a two-vote margin, but one of those ballots was deemed to be a no-vote. Hyer, who was appointed to the position in May, took his oath of office shortly after the hand count was completed.
The results are now final, though Krouse does have the option of requesting another hand count, so long as he pays for it.
Voter turnout for the November 7th general election was 75.8 percent in Garfield County, compared to 37.1 percent statewide. (Lewiston Tribune)
