Ballot Mistake Could Cost Modesto Nearly $200,000

MODESTO (CBS13) — A major ballot mistake in Modesto could cost the city at least $169,000.

The Modesto City Council put Measure F on the Nov. 3 ballot last year, asking voters if the city should change how it elects school district board members. It was supposed to go out districtwide, which extends past the city.

According to a city investigation, City Clerk Stephanie Lopez changed the paperwork causing the measure to only appear on ballots for voters in the city. That left out 20,000 voters.

The city is now working to get the measure on the June 7 ballot, but it will cost them.

"The City of Modesto, since we were found at fault for this will pay almost all of the cost for this new ballot mailer," said city spokeswoman Amy Vickery. "But the county looks like they'll be sharing some of the cost with us."