Valencia County Canvass Completed, Officials Identify Discrepancy and Investigate

Valencia County completed its 2025 local election canvass on December 8, 2025, and officials reported a discrepancy that emerged as ballots and records were reviewed. County election staff described the issue as a discrepancy involving either vote count totals or a procedural irregularity found during canvass reconciliation. Election administrators immediately opened an investigation and took procedural steps required under state election law.

Officials notified affected candidates and are preparing to conduct a targeted recount if the investigation determines that vote totals must be adjusted. County staff said they will follow statutory processes for resolving canvass discrepancies, including documenting chain of custody and preserving ballots and records for possible audit or legal review. The county indicated it expects to complete the investigative and corrective steps within the deadlines required for certification of results and will provide updates as work proceeds.

The discovery does not automatically invalidate election outcomes, but it does create a window in which close races may shift once the canvass process is fully resolved. For Valencia County voters the immediate impact is a short delay in final certification for any contests tied to the discrepancy. Candidates who received official notices can seek review or request further recounts under existing procedures. The county emphasized measures in place to protect ballots and maintain transparency during the follow up.

This episode highlights institutional questions about canvass procedures and the safeguards that govern local elections. Timely notification of candidates, preservation of ballots, and a clear public timeline for resolution are central to maintaining voter confidence. County officials said they will adhere to legal timelines and document their actions to ensure accountability. The situation also underscores the role of local civic engagement in oversight, as voters and local organizations will watch the county process to ensure it resolves inconsistencies in a transparent manner.

As the investigation proceeds residents should expect further announcements from county election officials about the results of the review, any recount actions taken, and the final certification schedule. Officials have reiterated that routine checks built into the canvass process are designed to detect and correct such issues, and they pledged to complete resolution in accordance with state law.