Mail-in vote credited for high turnout

McCOOK, Neb. -- Official results from the 2015 Red Willow County Special Election indicate voter turnout was increased by the mail-in format and election officials offered praise in other areas.

A total of 1,821 ballots were cast out of a possible 4,735 registered voters, according to the Red Willow County Clerk's Office, producing last week's reported 38 percent voter turnout. Updates received Friday following confirmation of the results indicate 713 ballots were returned undeliverable from the U.S. Postal Service. Reducing the number of registered voters in the county by the more than 700 returned ballots increases voter turnout to more than 45 percent.

According to local election officials, the vast majority of the returned ballots stem from registered voters who relocated out of the area without updating their information with the clerk's office.

The 2015 special election was the first ever mail-in ballot special election coordinated in Red Willow County, according to the clerk's office. The 2007 special election produced a 31 percent voter turnout.

In addition to increasing voter turnout the Red Willow County Clerk's Office praised the ballot counting process on election night, saying it went much smoother and was completed more quickly.

The clerk's office indicated Friday the format also served as a great tool in keeping the voter registration system updated, given the number of ballots returned undeliverable.

Results from the special election were confirmed by the Canvassing Board Thursday without changes. Some 1,071 ballots were cast in favor of question one, combining and renewing the 1.5 percent sales tax, and 737 were cast against.

A total 923 votes were cast against question two, continuing the McCook Economic Development Program coordinated by the McCook Economic Development Corp., and 878 votes were cast in favor.

In addition to the 713 undeliverable ballots, election officials reported 18 other ballots were rejected or returned blank.

One ballot was rejected because the oath wasn't signed; one was rejected because a current resident signed a previous resident's ballot; nine were returned to the clerk's office past deadline; four were placed in a drop box without an envelop; and one was rejected because the voter lived outside of city limits and their in-town address wasn't their place of residence.

One voter passed away prior to the special election and their incomplete ballot was returned to the clerk's office by family members. Another voter returned their ballot and instructed election officials not to count it, voicing displeasure with the format of the special election.