Webster County Race Still Undecided

Days after the primary, the votes have been counted and finalized.

Yet in one county, the election results are still up in the air.

Over the last couple of days the race for southern district commissioner in Webster County has become a closely watched campaign that has some voters calling for a recall.

It's a mistake that could cost Denzil Young's campaign.

"Evidentially, my understanding was that they gave out southern ballots to the first ten people that should have had north ballots," said Young.

And it's those few votes that could decide his future.

"I feel they'll be another election of some type to correct it. I feel safe saying that," he said.

Young is the republican incumbent, seeking a second term as Webster County's southern district commissioner. He was about ten votes short of a win until election officials noticed a problem with the very same ballots in question.

"I'm sure it's accidental," said Young.

The problem began at a local polling place. That's where county leaders say election judges were giving voters the wrong ballot.

"The people there didn't want the ballot they were given because they had the card showing the ballot they should have but they didn't think they should have that ballot," said Dean Geick, area voter.

County leaders say people who live in the east township should have received ballots with the names of the northern district commissioner candidates. While, people who live in the west township should have received ballots with southern district commissioner candidates.

"I just walked in and went to my table that they have and showed them my voter registration card and gave me the ballot of my choice," said Geick.

A petition has been filed in Webster County and now its up to a judge to determine a course of action.

"I'm sure they'll make sure this doesn't happen this next round. It was accidental anyway. I'm sure they'll do the best they can. Everybody makes mistakes," said Young.

A decision would have to be made fast because the ballot for November's general election will have to be certified in less than three weeks.

We attempted to contact the apparent winner and challenger, Jamie Ayers, but through a family representative, we learned that Ayers would not comment on the matter and was directing all his calls to his lawyers.

In the meantime, the third candidate, Ron Worsham is optimistic about the incident and says people will just have to wait for an outcome.

Young says he will continue to work close with the community. He says his life in public office isn't over just yet.