August 1, 2023
By: Katherine Trowbridge
The Franklin County Auditor's Office began the official vote count for the August 1 Primary Election to determine which two candidates would move onto the General Election ballot for Connell City Council, Position 5.
As votes were tallied it quickly became clear that Preston Hart led the vote. His tally at the end of the day was 108 votes or 51.92 percent. However, it may be a few days before voters know who will join him on the Nov. 7 General Election Ballot.
Candidates, Patrice Hebel and Stephanie Hallman are currently tied at 23.08 percent each.
The count also showed four write in votes for a total of 209 ballots counted as of 8:29 pm.
The county stated there were still an estimated 51 ballots left to count and some late arrival ballots are still anticipated.
Voter turnout was extremely low at only 17.85 percent of the 1, 184 registered voters within the City of Connell who received ballots in the mail.
The Primary Election will not be officially certified until August 15, however, the Auditors Office shared that they anticipate a final tally before then.