T’Naus Nieto
The Chronicle-News

Incorrect ballots don’t contain ballot measure 2A

On Oct. 17, Las Animas County Clerk and Recorder Karrie Apple told The Chronicle-News, for a video announcement, that an incorrect ballot style was sent to specific voters in the county, where some people were sent ballots without the City of Trinidad TABOR, which contained the municipality ballot measure 2A.

“This occurred due to a processing issue,” Apple said. “We deeply regret any confusion or any inconvenience this may have caused. To ensure your vote is counted accurately, we have voided the original ballot and will be sending out corrected ballot styles, which will include the City TABOR ballot measure 2A.”

According to Apple, the people who were sent the incorrect ballots and were affected were in precinct six, which is on the west side of Trinidad.

As previously reported, ballot measure 2A is a municipal ballot issue for the City of Trinidad. It will ask voters to approve an increase to the lodging tax from 3% to 6% for people staying at local hotels and short-term rentals. The City hoped that if passed, it would increase city funding for amenities without adding an extra tax burden on locals.

The following day, after Apple’s announcement, the director of LAC DHS, Micheal Aragon, made a similar announcement through the City of Trinidad’s social media account to inform voters who may have received the incorrect ballots.

Aragon said in the announcement, “We apologize for any inconvenience. Please destroy or shred the current ballot, (but) only if you have received a replacement ballot. Please be assured (that) these ballots (without the City TABOR) will not be counted and have already been marked as voided. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the elections office at 719-845-2575.”

Apple said, “We ensure full transparency, and we appreciate your full patience and understanding… Thank you for your time, and we apologize for the inconvenience.”