Preliminary MLIRD election results released

MOSES LAKE — About half of the votes for the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District (MLIRD) election remain to be counted.

Only 2,389 votes have been counted with more than 3,600 potential votes left to be counted to complete the first tabulation.

The preliminary difference between the two candidates is currently 505 votes.

Mick Hansen received 1,447 votes and Ron Covey received 942 votes so far.

There are 3,552 outstanding absentee ballots and about 80 challenge ballots remaining to be counted for people who thought they could vote in the election, according to the irrigation district.

The landowners were allowed to cast challenge ballots, but “the validity of the challenged ballots may be determined by reference to Grant County real property records,” according to a district statement.

Chris Ries, the district’s attorney, explained some of the issues involved with the challenge ballots and why some people weren’t on the voter list.

Some voters had petitions approved to join the district earlier this year, but the county wasn’t able to process the petitions quickly enough to place on the tax rolls, he said. They cast a challenge ballot.

Another issue involved unmarried people owning land, for example, “John Doe and et al,” or others.

The challenged ballots are canvassed at 7 p.m., Monday, by the MLIRD board of directors.

“I’m the first to admit, it’s not time to celebrate for sure,” Hansen said. “There’s a few big voters that can make a difference in a real hurry.”

He called the election “very confusing” and said someone needed to sit down with legislators to discuss a new system.

Hansen claims many voters were disgusted by how complicated absentee ballots were and threw them away.

The absentee ballots ask voters if they’re a citizen and to list their land parcel numbers, he said.

He said his wife didn’t receive her absentee ballots to vote for a family trust, representing six votes Hansen didn’t get.

Covey said he really enjoyed being part of the election.

He was excited about the outcome due to the fact there were so many people who participated this year. He is grateful they came out and voted.

He also thanked his supporters.

“I do appreciate them taking the time to step up and learn about the issues,” he said.