BOISE, ID — Elmore County will conduct a countywide hand count of all ballots cast in the November 4 election after state election officials confirmed a discrepancy between the number of ballots and the number of voters.

According to a news release from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, an audit team visited the county Tuesday morning and verified that all physical paper ballots remain secured by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. However, officials also determined that not all of those ballots were counted during the original tabulation.

Elmore County Clerk Shelley Essl ordered the hand count to begin Monday, November 24, at 8:30 a.m. at the Elk’s Lodge in Mountain Home. She has requested that the Secretary of State’s Office conduct the count to ensure “a complete and independent review.” Representatives from the Elmore County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Idaho Attorney General’s Office will also observe.

“This should never have happened,” Essl said in the release. “I am committed to ensuring that all votes are counted. I appreciate the Secretary of State’s office working with us throughout this difficult situation.”

Secretary of State Phil McGrane emphasized that there is no indication of foul play and that the discrepancy appears to stem from a procedural error. He said the focus now is on transparency and accuracy.

“Our primary concern is to ensure that the will of the voters is reflected in the final results and that Idahoans can be confident every vote counts,” McGrane said. “Voters deserve clear, accurate results, and we’re taking immediate action to make sure that happens.”

Following the hand count, the Secretary of State and County Clerk plan to seek judicial review under Idaho Code 34-220. Judicial review allows races with narrow margins to receive additional scrutiny and, if necessary, provides a mechanism for calling a new election. The deadline to file for judicial review is December 2.

The hand count is open to candidates, the public, and the media.