Elmore County's Shocking Hand Count Reveals Hidden Ballots—What They Discovered Will Leave You Speechless!

The Elmore County Clerk, Shelley Essl, recently announced the results of a hand count conducted for the November 4th, 2025 Election. This comprehensive recount revealed that 373 ballots, initially unaccounted for in the election night reporting, brought the total number of ballots cast in the election to 3,193. Despite this adjustment, the outcomes of all races in Elmore County remained unchanged after the hand count.

This hand recount was overseen by Secretary of State Phil McGrane and a team of 17 election officials from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office. Their involvement came after a reported discrepancy between the number of ballots cast and the number of voters who participated in the election. Observers from the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, the Elmore County Prosecuting Attorney, and the Elmore County Sheriff were also present, ensuring transparency in the process. Candidates, media representatives, and members of the public attended, underscoring the community's interest in the election's integrity.

“I appreciate the level of detail and openness that went into today’s count,” Clerk Essl stated. “Through this process, we have ensured that every Elmore County ballot was counted and reported."

The results of key races from the election are as follows:

Glenns Ferry Mayor (Vote for 1)

• Chelsea Inmon: 70 votes
• Susan Case: 206 votes
• Under Votes: 1
• Over Votes: 0

Glenns Ferry City Council (Vote for 2)

• David Payne: 149 votes
• Jordan C. Thomas: 167 votes
• Dean Cunningham: 85 votes
• Kurtis Workman: 91 votes
• Under Votes: 62
• Over Votes: 0

Mountain Home City Council (Vote for 2)

• Sawyer Crenshaw: 663 votes
• Brendan McCarthy: 857 votes
• Stephen "Stevo" Nameth: 370 votes
• Decker Sanders: 872 votes
• Kellee Thomas: 192 votes
• Richard Urquidi: 762 votes
• Under Votes: 394
• Over Votes: 0

Glenns Ferry School District Trustee Zone 1 (Vote for 1)

• Robert Bergh: 42 votes
• Lane Smith: 15 votes
• Alan Crane: 36 votes
• Under Votes: 1
• Over Votes: 0

Glenns Ferry School District Trustee Zone 5 (Vote for 1)

• Mickie J. Strode: 100 votes
• Under Votes: 18
• Over Votes: 0

Mountain Home School District Supplemental Levy (requires 50% to pass)

• In Favor: 1,398 votes
• Against: 1,339 votes
• Under Votes: 72
• Over Votes: 0

Bruneau-Grand View School District Trustee Zone 3 (Vote for 1)

• Raelynn Mathews: 4 votes
• Jeremy Pineda: 7 votes
• Under Votes: 0
• Over Votes: 0

Bruneau-Grand View School District School Closure (requires 50% to pass)

• In Favor: 17 votes
• Against: 12 votes
• Under Votes: 0
• Over Votes: 0

Atlanta Fire District Commissioner Subdistrict 2 (Vote for 1)

• Mary E Drake: 16 votes
• Patricia Kathy Howard: 18 votes
• Under Votes: 0
• Over Votes: 0

This recount process emphasizes the importance of electoral integrity and transparency, particularly in a time when public trust in electoral systems is critical. The participation of various officials and community members in the recount highlights a collective commitment to ensuring that every vote is counted and that the electoral process remains a foundational element of democracy in Idaho.