Brian (Elections office staff) told the committee that the county is preparing for the consolidated election scheduled to begin around Feb. 20 but that a pending referendum from Central School District complicates ballot production.

The referendum would change the district’s method of electing board members from township-and-range-based seats to at-large seats. Because the measure must be decided by township and range or by two-thirds of the total, the county must produce separate ballot styles that distinguish voters by township/range and voter codes. Brian said the vendor must create the additional ballot styles, and the county currently estimates a minimum of 10–15 extra styles though it could be more. He said the vendor needs time to build and proof the styles and that sending certified races to units of local government for approval will add time to the schedule.

Brian also noted two other districts in the county use township-and-range election formats (Donovan and Hirshville), creating additional ballot-style complexity. He said the consolidated-election vendor has all address data and that the county is waiting for the vendor to finish set up for this election.

Why it matters: Additional ballot styles increase production time and cost, and raise verification requirements for election staff. Delays in vendor setup or proofing could push back absentee-ballot distribution and in-person early voting timelines.

What’s next: The election office will coordinate with the vendor to finalize ballot styles and proofs and will notify affected local units of government as required.