Can a candidate who announced they were dropping out, still win an election?

Jeni Rice is winning her race, even after she dropped out of the race months ago.

Graciela Villanueva was the incumbent in the race for school board. In September, Jeni Rice publicly said that she dropped out of the running to pursue other possibilities such as a spot on the Central Washington University Board of Trustees. To officially withdraw her name, Rice had to notify the County Auditor by May, something she did not do. Rice's name stayed on the ballot and received over 60 percent of the vote on November 5th. Supporters of Villanueva say the loss is heartbreaking.

"Had Mrs. Rice ran a campaign we would have said, 'hey she did a better job, her group did a better job,' we could accept it a little better," Villanueva supporter Tony Sandoval told KNDO News. "But when she hadn't done anything and still won it was like, it's shocking. "

Rice said earlier this week that if elected, she plans to accept the seat on the school board.

More From News Talk KIT