The Hood River County Department of Records and Assessment says text messages sent to some residents claiming hundreds of votes will not be counted is untrue.  Department Director Brian Beebe said they are currently in the process of resolving issues with 283 ballots that have been challenged because of signature issues, and that’s a normal step in every election.  Ballots get challenged because the voter did not sign the ballot return envelope, or the signature does not match the signature on the voter’s registration card.  Hood River County Elections mailed letters to all general election voters whose ballots were challenged giving them options to verify their vote.  Voters who have received a challenged ballot letter must return their signed form by 5 p.m. this Tuesday.  The text messages were sent from a non-working number.  Anyone with questions can contact the Hood River County Elections office at: 541-386-1442 or elections@co.hood-river.or.us.