Election denialism strikes again in SLO County — and it’s linked to Georgia? | Opinion

It’s been more than a year since voters in the Lucia Mar Unified School District approved a $143 million bond measure for major improvements at several campuses — including fixing leaky roofs, removing lead pipes and replacing dilapidated portables with permanent classrooms.

Yet even at this late date, election deniers tried to cast doubt on the election results.

“I’m concerned mostly in the certification of the election itself,” San Miguel resident Darcia Stebbens said at a recent school board meeting, “and especially that we have a situation where this is a lot of money.”

She also noted that the measure barely passed; it needed 55% and finished with 55.26%. But other than mentioning “algorithms,” she provided no evidence to back up her claim.

This isn’t Stebbens’ first foray into election denialism. She also challenged the elections of Supervisors Bruce Gibson and Jimmy Paulding, though the vote recounts she requested failed to change the results.

Stebbens is, of course, free to spout conspiracy theories at public meetings, though we’re wondering why she didn’t request a recount at the time of the election, rather than making vague accusations more than a year later.

What’s more concerning are statements from district Trustee Mike Fuller, who also had reservations about the accuracy of election results and tried to hold up the bond sale for his “peace of mind.”

“There’s a lot of stuff of concern that I’ve seen lately,” Fuller said.

“What stuff?” asked board Vice President Colleen Martin.

Fuller: “I’ve watched a lot of stuff on the Georgia elections. ...”

Martin: “Yeah, that has nothing to do with it. This was in 2024 here in San Luis Obispo County.”

Fuller: “Right.”

Later in the discussion, Trustee Donna Kandel noted that Fuller was also elected in November 2024.

“I don’t think anybody on this board said that you are not a legitimate board member because we didn’t personally count the vote,” she said.

Exactly.

Fuller seemed satisfied that his own election had been fair and square. But now he suddenly questions the results of a districtwide election — and the only rationale he offers is what’s happening in Georgia, where election fraud claims were already disproven years ago?

For that, he’s willing to put the brakes on a project aimed at making schools safer and more conducive to learning?

The board did go on to certify the election — a necessary first step before going ahead with the first, $38 million bond sale — with Fuller abstaining.

“I can’t confidently, in good conscience, feel good and understand with something that close ...” he said by way of explanation.

“You didn’t count the ballots,” Martin broke in.

“There you go. Write that. I didn’t count the ballots. That’s my rationale,” Fuller responded.

Please.

It doesn’t matter how close the election was. Nor does it matter how much money was involved. And the idea that every official must personally count ballots before they can accept results of an election is beyond ludicrous.

There is a process in place for contesting election results. That was not followed.

Raising concerns months later only serves to undermine faith in a system already under attack.

If an elected official does not respect the will of the voters, maybe it’s time for voters to find someone who will.