The Marion County Auditor’s Office has released an update relating to this year’s 2019 City and School elections. According to Marion County Auditor Jake Grandia, the 2019 City/School Special Precinct Board convened at 10:00 AM Friday morning to consider any Election Day Provisional Ballots received from the polling sites and Absentee Ballots received by the Marion County Auditor’s office via mail after Election Day. The Board accepted three absentee ballots that met the mailing deadline of November 4th, and one provisional ballot cast on Election Day. The Board rejected two absentee ballots due to late postmarks.

In the latest vote total, each individual in the Pella City Council race received one additional vote, bringing the totals to:

Chris Meyers 330 14.72%
Tony Bokhoven 950 42.37%
Liz Sporrer 958 42.73%

Earlier this week, Grandia reported to KRLS News that there were currently 27 outstanding absentee ballots remaining in the county before today’s meeting, and that nine of those were from the City of Pella incorporated area, and eligible to be counted in that race. It appears based on those numbers, Liz Sporrer has unofficially won the At Large seat currently held by Tony Bokhoven, even if the six remaining ballots were going to come in with a November 4th postmark and be in favor of the incumbent. None of the results are official until Tuesday, after Friday’s update, Bokhoven conceded the race, so Sporrer will start her term in January.

Bokhoven’s statement:
“In light of today’s Auditors update, I am conceding the At-Large race to Mrs. Sporrer. There is no need to continue the wait nor spend the Marion County Board of Supervisors time on this.

I spoke to Liz on election night congratulating her on what appeared to be a win, and I want to also extend my appreciation to Mr. Meyers for stepping forward and putting his name on the ballot.

I want to thank the citizens of Pella for allowing me to serve them for a second term. As a Mayor and Council, we work very hard to make Pella a town to be proud of. Thanks to all of the City staff as well, for their support and encouragement during the election. There have been many people step forward during this election and I am so thankful to each one of you for caring enough to lend a hand and a voice. I love Pella, and I want nothing but the best for our community.

It’s time to get back to work and see what the newly elected officials can really bring to the table in January.

Best wishes
Tony Bokhoven”