The ballots continue to be counted at the Saline County Clerk’s Office, as voters decide whether to approve a  $110.7 million bond issue to improve facilities at USD 305.

Saline County Clerk and Election Officer Don Merriman tells KSAL News that his office has counted 12,897 ballots so far with more to come, “I just picked up another thousand or so from the Post Office this morning,” Merrriman said.

At the end of March 28,000 ballots were mailed to residents in USD 305 to participate in the decision. Merriman predicted, “We’ll hit fifty-percent or better voter turnout when it’s all said and done.”

The County Clerk has also sent out some 500 letters to voters who did not sign the back of their ballot envelope – asking them to come in and finish the voting process. “Unfortunately we cannot count their ballot without that signature,” he said.

Staff has been checking to make sure all returned ballots are signed as they come in. “People took the effort to vote that ballot, fold it up, put it in the envelope seal it and throw it in the mail – I’d like to finish it up. I’d like to be able to count it,” he said.

The final count will begin at 12:01pm April 8th, as the poll closes to any new ballots that arrive via the mail or hand delivery.

The  $110.7 million bond issue will address district needs including safety and security, all-day kindergarten, career and technical education and improvements at both high schools, plus storm shelters at all the schools.