Absentee votes flip Riverton race results

RIVERTON — Two weeks ago, Randy Brinkerhoff thought he lost his bid for a seat on the Riverton City Council to opponent Galen Mills by four votes.

But at the city's canvass meeting Tuesday night, Brinkerhoff found out he won by 11 late-coming absentee ballots — a margin large enough to nullify any chance of having a recount.

"I don't remember this close of an election since 1975," said Riverton Mayor Bill Applegarth. "We're separating here by 11 votes, so it sure shows the importance of every vote when a decision is made and how important it is to vote."

Brinkerhoff, who will be replacing his wife, Gayla, as a council member, was at a Jordan School District meeting Tuesday night and could not comment on his success. Brinkerhoff received 568 votes.