Missoula County Probes Election Fraud Allegations

Authorities are investigating an accountant's claim of fraud in the May 3 Missoula County elections.

The elections covered numerous school levy requests and trustee races, with voters supporting four public school levies totaling nearly $7 million.

Tax accountant Patty Lovaas is asking the county to void the results. She alleges that she found numerous discrepancies and erroneous votes in a review of the election data.

Lovaas says several voters asked for the review after they didn't receive their mail ballots. She says other voters received duplicate ballots.

Missoula County Sheriff's Capt. Rich Maricelli said Tuesday the department is investigating.

Lovaas met with the Missoula Board of County Commissioners Monday to review the allegations. County officials say they are skeptical about the accusations.