Group seeking recount of nondiscrimination vote hits roadblocks

A group opposed to Pocatello’s nondiscrimination ordinance retained by voters last month is seeking a recount.

The “Vote Yes” group spokesman Ralph Lillig confirmed they filed the request on Monday with Bannock County.

On Wednesday, Lillig said the county suggested that he instead file the request with the state, and not the county. This comes just three days before the deadline to seek the recount.

County officials said the county’s chief civil deputy prosecutor Ian Service and interim county clerk Robert Poleki are not available to comment on this until Friday.

The group wants a recount in 20 of Pocatello’s 39 precincts from the May 20 vote, as well as a recount of early and absentee votes.

The city of Pocatello in June 2013 passed an ordinance banning discrimination against a person because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Proposition One asked city residents whether to keep the law or repeal it.

Officials say that 4,943 people voted to keep the law in place, while 4,863 people voted to rescind it.

Vote Yes Pocatello says the ordinance penalizes people for their personal beliefs.

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Information from: Idaho State Journal, http://www.journalnet.com