Jackson, WY — The Teton County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees race is now in a recount phase, as required by state law, after an exceptionally close vote count left each of the four candidates within a fraction of a percent of one another.
Vote totals that triggered the recount
Tuesday night’s official tally showed incumbent Keith Gingery leading with 5,428 votes, or 27.2 % of the total ballots cast. Newcomer Ashley Sinclair followed closely with 4,861 votes (24.35 %). Incumbent Stephan Abrams trailed Sinclair by just 40 votes, receiving 4,821 votes (24.15 %). The final incumbent, Reade Dornan, was only 48 votes behind Abrams, with 4,773 votes (23.91 %). Because the margin between the top and bottom candidates is less than one percent of the votes cast for the leading candidate, Wyoming statute 22‑16‑109(b) mandates a full‑district recount.
County Clerk’s office leads the effort
County Clerk Maureen Murphy confirmed to Buckrail just before 11 a.m. that the recount is underway. Murphy explained that the law requires a recount “any race with less than 1 % of the number of votes cast for the winning candidate receiving the least number of votes cast for that office shall be recounted in the entire district in which the candidates stand for election.” All ballots from across Teton County are being re‑examined to ensure accuracy.
Historical context for close races
Jackson voters may recall a similarly tight contest in 2024, when a specific‑purpose excise tax proposal to fund an $88 million Teton County Justice Center passed by a razor‑thin margin. That experience underscored the importance of transparent recount procedures in maintaining confidence in local elections.
What the recount means for the community
School board members shape policies that affect classroom sizes, curriculum choices, and the overall quality of education for families throughout the county. A clear, accurate result is essential for parents and teachers who rely on steady governance to support traditional family values and academic excellence.
Next steps
The recount process is expected to take several days, during which the County Clerk’s office will verify each ballot and update the public on any changes to the vote totals. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county communications and local news outlets.
Once the recount is completed, the final certified results will determine which three of the four candidates will serve on the board for the upcoming term. The community can look forward to a transparent conclusion that upholds the integrity of the electoral process.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
