For Immediate Release: November 10, 2026
(Pocatello, Idaho) – Earlier today, the Bannock County Clerk’s Office notified the Secretary of State’s Office that 333 ballots cast in the November 3, 2026 General Election in Bannock County Precinct, Pocatello 2 had not been counted on election night. The ballots in question were identified during the post-election review process.
After tabulating the additional ballots, no outcomes were changed. All 333 ballots were from the same precinct. The closest results for any election involving the Pocatello 2 precinct were for the County Coroner’s race, which was separated by 4,857 votes.
“Once again, this demonstrates the importance of the reconciliation process we use to verify election results following every election,” said Secretary of State Phil McGrane. “While I am thankful that these ballots were identified, we will be working to determine why these ballots were not processed on election night and working with counties across the state to reinforce our election processes.”
“Needless to say, this should not have happened. We take pride in Bannock County in the work that goes into running our elections,” said Bannock County Clerk Jason Dixon. “We are working closely with the Secretary of State’s office to ensure full transparency and to determine if additional steps can be taken to ensure this does not happen. I want Bannock County voters to know your votes will count.”
The additional votes from the Pocatello 2 precinct ballots will be added to the reported totals on VoteIdaho.gov later today. On Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m., the Bannock County Commissioners, serving as the county Board of Canvassers, will convene to recanvass the results, including the additional ballots.
On Friday at 1 p.m., the State Board of Canvassers will meet to initiate audits of election results statewide, per Idaho Code. Next week, teams of auditors will be traveling to randomly selected counties and precincts throughout the state to conduct hand counts and review the reported results.
“We have numerous safeguards in place to verify the accuracy of Idaho’s elections,” said Secretary of State Phil McGrane. “My main focus throughout all of this is to ensure that every single vote is counted and that Idahoans have confidence that their voice is heard.”
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About Phil McGrane
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022. McGrane holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
