If Spokane County had ended its ballot count on Election Night, more than 23,000 votes could have gone uncounted. Thousands of late-arriving ballots, most of which were verified and included, shed light on the importance of every ballot in shaping final results.
Spin Control: Ending the vote count on Election Night would have cut 23,000 ballots out of Spokane results – Sun, 30 Nov 2025 PST
Key Takeaways:
- Spokane County received thousands of votes after Election Night
- More than 23,000 ballots would have been left out if counting ended early
- Most of these late ballots were verified and included in totals
- The article was originally published by Spokesman on November 30, 2025
- Authored by Jim Camden, highlighting the significance of accurate vote counting
Why Late Ballots Matter
Election outcomes often hinge on the narrowest of margins—a reality that is especially evident in Spokane County. Thousands of ballots arrived after the polls closed on Election Night, raising questions about exactly how and when votes should be finalized.
If the Count Ended Early
According to the original report, “Ending the vote count on Election Night would have cut 23,000 ballots out of Spokane results.” This revelation underscores just how many voices might have gone unheard if the tally had stopped prematurely.
The Validation Process
The process for admitting late ballots is rigorous. Officials must confirm that these ballots are valid and submitted on time—despite arriving days after polls close. As the article notes, “Thousands of votes came in after Election Night in Spokane County. Most passed muster and were counted.”
Source and Context
This information comes from an article published by Spokesman on November 30, 2025, authored by Jim Camden. It falls under the politics category, further emphasizing the broader implications such late-arriving ballots have on the democratic process.
Implications for Future Elections
With over 23,000 late ballots ultimately verified and included, the lesson is clear: strong voter turnout includes votes that arrive past Election Day but remain valid under local election rules. Spokane County’s experience reveals how these ballots can shape final results and influence how officials—and the public—view election deadlines in the future.