POLITICS & ELECTIONS

Wasatch County barred from canvassing school board seat race after candidate disqualified

Nov 20, 2024, 9:50 AM | Updated: 10:03 am

HEBER CITY — A judge granted a temporary restraining order on Tuesday barring Wasatch County from canvassing election results in a school board race after the winning candidate was disqualified nine days after the election.

Results from the Wasatch County School Board Seat E race showed Tom Stone winning 1,823 votes to Bradley Ehlert’s 1,689. Or, 51.9% to 48.09%.

However, Tate Stone, Tom Stone’s son and campaign manager, said they learned the county clerk had disqualified Tom nine days after the election.

“We then got a letter at 4:59 p.m. Thursday night (Nov. 14) from the clerk saying she had decided to disqualify Tom— my dad, the candidate — on the basis of a late campaign finance disclosure form. It was about a day later than what it needed to be.”

Tate Stone acknowledged the filing was in fact late.

“I will actually take responsibility,” Tate Stone said. “That was my fault. My wife actually went into labor on Oct. 29.”

That said, the campaign maintained they received no warning about the late filing at the time. They expected a small fine at worst, not to be disqualified nine days after voters had their say.

“This went sideways really strong, really hard, really fast,” said Tom Stone through video call.

The candidate said his lawyer also couldn’t believe that was the decision.

“He was like, ‘Oh boy, this is a big deal,” Tom Stone said.

Canvassing barred for Wasatch County School Board race

As county leaders met to canvass returns Tuesday evening, they couldn’t touch the school board seat E results.

Earlier in the day, 4th District Judge Jennifer Mabey granted a motion for a temporary restraining order prohibiting Wasatch County from canvassing the race.

She then voluntarily recused herself over a “remote affiliation” with the plaintiff and encouraged that the case be reassigned to a judge in a different county.

“Ultimately, everyone involved should have the highest level of confidence that the final outcome in this case is based solely on the evidence and any applicable statutory and case law, and not upon any connection that the Court has with one party or another,” the judge wrote.

Stone’s attorney, Todd Weiler, said he believed it could possibly be a few weeks before there is a hearing over the legal issues raised by the matter.

Wasatch County Clerk-Auditor Joey Granger declined to comment on the case when approached in person by KSL TV Tuesday afternoon.

Ehlert, Stone’s opponent was also present at the canvassing Tuesday. He said he would respect the process and hoped for transparency and accountability.

“If that’s what’s happening right now, is transparency and accountability, then that’s what needs to continue happening,” Ehlert said. “Being in limbo is really hard for a lot of people and I think that the community as a whole wants to make sure that we’re not in limbo.”

Tate Stone said he and his dad also hoped for a resolution in the matter.

“This will be the only race in the entire state of Utah that has not been canvassed, going directly against the state statute that says no matter what, you have to canvass by this date,” he said. “We’re definitely in uncharted territory.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Politics & Elections

Utah's Capitol building during the 2025 legislative session on Feb. 4, 2025. (Andrew Adams, KSL TV)...

Daniel Woodruff

Proposal to ease eviction penalties in Utah dies in Senate committee

A Utah Senate committee voted to kill a proposal aimed at reducing penalties a renter can be required to pay when being evicted.

1 hour ago

Protesters in front of the Utah Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025 to protest President Donald Trump and Elon ...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

‘We are the real patriots’: Utahns protest Donald Trump, Elon Musk outside Capitol

Hundreds of Utahns joined nationwide protests in opposition to President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, one of Trump's top benefactors who has sought to gut federal agencies as a "special government employee."

3 hours ago

The Utah State Capitol stands in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session on Tues...

Daniel Woodruff

No compromise: Utah Senate gives final approval to original version of labor union bill

The Utah Senate voted 16-13 to pass a controversial bill that bans collective bargaining for public sector unions.

6 hours ago

Jeff Kauffmann and other union members wait to hear discussion and voting on HB267...

Caitlyn Keith, Deseret News

Public labor union bill back to a complete ban on collective bargaining

After multiple changes were made to one of the most controversial bills of the 2025 legislative session, the latest House version of a public labor unions bill would once again completely prohibit public sector collective bargaining.

6 hours ago

Rep. Cheryl Acton, R-West Jordan, wants to help police collect better evidence in domestic violence...

Annie Knox

Lawmaker says one change could keep more Utahns safe from their abusers

A Utah lawmaker wants to help police collect better evidence in domestic violence cases.

21 hours ago

Food dyes...

Daniel Woodruff

Utah lawmaker takes aim at candy, soda and food dyes with 2 new bills

A new Utah lawmaker is pushing two bills aimed at helping people eat healthy.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Wasatch County barred from canvassing school board seat race after candidate disqualified