Proponents of the Greater Idaho measure on the Wallowa County ballot lost a little ground Thursday as their margin of victory narrowed from 21 to seven votes.
As of 7:30 p.m., 1,742 voters had said “yes” to further consideration of a long-shot effort to move Idaho’s border west. Meanwhile, 1,735 said “no” to the measure, which would require Wallowa County commissioners to “meet twice annually to discuss promoting Wallowa County interest in relocating Idaho borders to include Wallowa County.”
There’s potential for a recount if the gap closes any more.
According to state law, a gap of one-fifth of one percent or less triggers a recount. With 3,477 votes so far, one-fifth of one percent is seven votes (with rounding).
Sandy Lathrop, county clerk, said Wallowa County has 28 outstanding contested ballots, including two from voters who use wheelchairs. Since those voters won’t be able to come to the county’s office to cure their ballots, Lathrop said she plans to visit their homes Friday.
Lathrop says additional ballots that were postmarked Tuesday may continue to trickle in too.
Wallowa County saw the highest voter turnout in the state with 55% of eligible voters casting ballots. Statewide voter turnout stood at just under 26%.
So far, 11 counties have approved similar measures to possibly merge with Idaho.
Crook County, in central Oregon, is expected to vote on the initiative next May, with Gilliam and Umatilla after that.
— Lisa Moreno; lmoreno@oregonian.com