No change in close USD 383 race as counties prepare for election canvassing

No changes have been noted in a tight USD 383 school board race.

Curt Herrman and Frank Beer remained 33 votes apart Monday morning after no new votes came in to the Riley and Pottawatomie County Clerk’s Offices Friday for either candidate. Advance ballots by mail could be accepted through Friday, per state statute.

As it stands ahead of the canvass, Herrman appears to have retained his spot on the board for a fifth term, holding a 2,818 to 2,785 advantage over Beer. The others elected last week included Katie Allen, Kristin Brighton and Greg Hoyt. The results are unofficial.

Both counties will hold the election canvass on Thursday, certifying the 2023 election. As many as 123 provisional ballots still need to be counted in Riley County.

Riley County Clerk Rich Vargo informed county commissioners Monday that the election canvass will be held Thursday, instead of next Monday.

The change is expected to become permanent since a candidate can request a recount the day after canvassing takes place.

Vargo says once a recount is requested, staff have a limited window to conduct any recount. In addition, the State of Kansas now requires all counties to randomly audit a single precinct before canvassing.

According to Vargo, Ward 2, Precinct 2 was the precinct selected for audit and was determined accurate and approved by the Secretary of State’s Office.