Jefferson County Assessor race could come down to provisional ballots

JEFFERSON COUNTY, NE — One of the local races in Jefferson County is still tightly contested as we enter the afternoon after election day. 

For the race for Jefferson County Assessor, incumbent Mary Banahan — who ran a write-in campaign — is leading by one vote against challenger Michael Vocelka who also ran as a write-in candidate. 

As of now, Banahan holds a 181-180 lead in the race. According to Jefferson County Clerk Kristina Riggle, there are still nine provisional ballots still to be counted in the race, however. 

Provisional ballots are used by voters whose registration status is unclear on election day. Their votes are held aside until their status can be confirmed by the county canvassing board. If a voters registration status is confirmed, their provisional ballot is then counted toward the results. 

Riggle said provisional ballot status has to be determined within seven days. 

Those nine ballots could make a difference in the outcome of the election, meaning voters may not know who won the race for Jefferson County Assessor for a few days. 

The county assessor's main job is to discover, list and provide valuations for property for tax purposes. Additionally, the assessor processes personal property schedules, homestead exemption applications and permissive exemption applications.