Local candidates receive record vote totals, school levy fails to pass.

BONNERS FERRY — According to Boundary County election night reporting, voter turnout was at a record-breaking level of 87%. But county candidates had some of the highest voter totals in the county than any other regional, state or national candidates.

The county had a large voter turnout that left polls busier than previous years.

According to elections judge Kristie Campbell, “I’ve never seen polls this busy the first two hours”

There was no mishaps or illegal poll watchers present and that resulted in peaceful voting for the county constituents.

According to County Clerk, Glenda Poston, “I think the elections went off very well, we had lines, we had rain, we had the time change, but we didn’t have upset people and our polling sites were open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.”

Poston stated that the county relied on more than 60 poll workers who averaged 16 hours working to ensure the fastest and most efficient voting experience possible.

“They average 16 hours of their time to ensure that the process works and that your vote counts,” Poston said.

Poston congratulated the work of the many poll volunteers who worked diligently to ensure a fair and honest election.

“I want to extend my appreciation for all of their [poll workers] efforts,” Poston said.

The M&O levy bond failed to pass by just over 500 votes, a levy that traditionally brings in over $2.4 million for the Boundary County School District.

According to BCSD superintendent Jan Bayer, she was proud of the record voter turnout in the community but saddened for staff and students by the levy not passing.

“We will go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate where to go next. The cuts to the district, if we do not have local M&O dollars, will be deep.” Bayer said.

The school district will have to work collaboratively with stakeholders of the community to figure out the next steps to cover the fiscal deficit from a lack of a levy.

Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer went unopposed but surprisingly had 5,681 votes; Within the county, more people voted for Kramer than for any presidential candidate.

According to Kramer, he is humbled by the trust and confidence the community has shown him and he looks forward to the next four years as Sheriff.

“In regards to the high voter turnout, that does not surprise me as there were several very important election choices on the ballot this year,” Kramer wrote, “and it reflects that our citizens are involved and want to have a say in the future of our county, state and nation.”

Andrakay J. Pluid also ran unopposed for Boundary County prosecutor, but had a higher vote total that showed strong support.

The county reelected Wally Cossairt for his commissioner’s district unopposed, and Republican Tim Bertling, in a landslide victory, won his commissioner's district position for another term.

In an email, Gov. Little congratulated candidates for their hard-fought and fair races and the Gem State’s record turnout.

“Thank you for fulfilling your constitutional and patriotic duty to the people of your community, state and nation!” Little said.