A recount in Rapid City’s Area 6 school board race—where incumbent Jamie Clapham won by just three votes over challenger Brian Johnson—has been delayed due to disputes over recount board members. Johnson requested the recount but rejected three of the four proposed monitors. The one mutually agreed-upon member was unavailable.
Clapham approved all four proposed members, saying they were fair and vetted. Johnson criticized the selection process and suggested bias, while Clapham emphasized the strain the delays were placing on district resources.
Scheduling remains difficult due to conflicting availability of both candidates, their attorneys, and county election staff. Clapham is expected to be sworn in on July 1, and if Johnson wins the recount afterward, any of her votes made in the interim would still be valid.
The district maintains it is following proper legal procedures and is working to complete the recount promptly.
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