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NAMPA, Idaho (AP) — A candidate for a southwest Idaho school board seat who lost by four votes is contesting the election after officials announced five ballots had been incorrectly issued.
Toni Waters is challenging her loss earlier this month to incumbent Thomas Briten for the Zone 2 trustee seat on Caldwell School Board, the Idaho Press-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1Bre1qU ) Thursday.
Officials reported the error concerning the five ballots on the day after the election.
The Canyon County Clerk's Office said a judge has 20 days to decide whether a new election is needed for the seat.
Elections Supervisor Kathy Simon said the cost of the election will depend on what the judge rules.
She said the trustee race could be held again as part of the next scheduled election on Aug. 25.
Canyon County's Middleton School Board ran into similar issues in May 2013 when ballots were incorrectly issued, leading to the election being redone in August.
In the election this month, Travis Manning won the Zone 3 seat on the Caldwell School Board and incumbent Chuck Stout won a second term for the Zone 4 spot. Officials said their elections were unaffected by the incorrectly issued ballots.
Briten, a former teacher and current substitute teacher, campaigned for the district to stay on its current course, focus on students and retain good administrators.
Waters taught physical education and health classes in Middleton for 27 years. She said her three priorities include supporting teachers and students, enforcing minimum grade requirements for athletes and ensuring a well-rounded education.
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Information from: Idaho Press-Tribune, http://www.idahopress.com
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