Ballots for Black Forest Fire Board elections undeliverable

The U.S. Post Office was not able to deliver at least 400 ballots to voters for the upcoming Black Forest Fire Board Election.

The Black Forest Fire Board’s secretary, Donna Arkowski, is overseeing the upcoming special District Election. She wouldn’t do an interview but said in an email that “(she) went to the post office to pick up mail-in ballots and also was handed about 400 “Return to Sender” ballots.”

Arkowski said the ballots were put in the mail April 17 and processed by the U.S. Postal Service by April 18. However, she said the undelivered ballots were not returned to heruntil two weeks later and it was too late to send them out again to voters.

There are 7,000 people who are eligible to vote in this special district election. The 400 undelivered ballots were addressed to addresses of homes that survived the fire and homes that were destroyed.

“It’s five to six percent of the ballots sent out, and five to six percent can make a lot of difference,” said voter Bud Hoffpauir.

Janice Woodard hasn’t voted for the Black Forest Fire Board in the past, but said this election is different.

“There are a lot of people who deeply involved in this that are very heavily affected,” said Woodard.

She was concerned about voters who didn’t get ballots in the mail.

“Ifeel like this is something people need to definitely be aware of,” said Woodard. “I am wondering what’s going on.”

Voters who did not receive mail-in ballots can still vote in Tuesday’s election. Those without a ballot can contact Donna Arkowski at election@bffire.org or by visiting the Black Forest Fire Station (11445 Teachout Road) on Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.