Challenge filed on election results in Bannock County

After losing his bid for the senate, Tom Katsilometes has filed a challenge contesting the election result.

Katsilometes, who ran against new Sen. Mark Nye, D-Pocatello, filed it last week. In it, he claims Bannock County made errors in counting the votes and even saying the vote counting machines weren’t properly prepared or certified.

He also accused Nye of violating campaign finance laws, although a complaint filed with the Idaho secretary of state’s office earlier was dismissed.

Nye gave KIFI/KIDK this statement on the situation:

“My campaign denies there’s a problem or any issue with the machines. I’ve already sworn in and taken the oath to be a senator. He’s entitled to question the election, but that’s questioning the vote for many offices: the president, commissioners and other races in the county.”

The Senate will be gathering any evidence related to the complaint until Dec. 29. The Senate will then make a decision on the second day of the upcoming legislative session.