Pennington County accepts canvass; auditor says recount exempts post‑election audit

Pennington County commissioners voted to accept the canvass of their recent election results after a county official said a pending recount relieves the county of a required post‑election audit drawing.

Pennington County Auditor Sabrina Green told the commission that because a recount has been filed, the county is exempt from the post‑election audit precinct drawing: "since we have a recount, we are exempt from the post‑election audit. So we will not be drawing today." Commissioners then moved, seconded and carried a voice vote to accept the canvass.

The chair praised the auditor's office for its work administering the election, saying polling places operated smoothly despite one site being under construction. Commissioners noted that canvass documents and related information are publicly accessible online and at the auditor's office for anyone with questions.

Commissioners and the auditor also clarified a technical point raised during the meeting: when asked what an "undervote" is, Sabrina Green said an undervote occurs when no selection is made in a contest and thus that contest receives no vote. Green also confirmed there are "a few more days" for eligible parties to file contests of election results in the one race under recount.

The meeting concluded shortly after the canvass vote; a motion to adjourn passed by voice vote and the commission left no further business on the agenda.