06/08/2012
On election night, it was reported by all local media, as well as on the County Clerk’s website, that I had won the nomination and I was 397 votes ahead with 100% of precincts reporting. The next morning a revised report showed me 226 behind with the same 100% of precincts reporting. 3314 paper ballots (including under votes) from absentee voters were added to the count long after the polls had closed. This was a highly unusual event, which had never happened before, and one that required further explanation.
The first blog article from Mike Morris said only “The 2,700 mail ballots were delivered by the GOP ballot board to county staff after 10 p.m., according to County Clerk Stan Stanart.” In my investigation, members of the Ballot Board strongly disputed that statement. In fact over a week later in the most recent article it states “GOP ballot board chair Nelda Eppes disputes that account. The crucial question stated here is where did the 3314 late ballots come from. The answer that was provided was that about 1300 came in the mail over the 3-day holiday weekend and the remainder was being held by the Ballot Board. While knowing that members of the Ballot Board disputed that the number of ballots that they held back was anywhere near that number. Pursuing a recount reminded me of a comment attributed to Ronald Reagan, “Trust but Verify.” A recount is how we verify.
I received overwhelming support and advice for a recount. I petitioned for a recount and was continuing my investigation as well. County Clerk Stan Stanart invited several of my campaign volunteers to the clerk’s office for a thorough explanation of how paper ballots are handled and counted. They were shown an extensive system of tracking and auditing of ballots that for good reason, Stanart should be proud of.
In conclusion, I am going to offer my own answer. As a result of the long drawn out redistricting dispute, the Primary was scheduled for the day after Memorial Day. Unlike any other election year, the County Clerk’s office was closed the day before the election. A large volume of mail ballots accumulated that could not be processed before the polls closed.
Thank you Nelda Eppes and all the members of the GOP Ballot Board, who under their sharp and watchful eyes and expertise deserve a big thank you not only for this year, but all other election years, for the important work that they do to ensure the integrity of the election process.
I had overwhelming support from so many people for my election and because I stood up for my rights. I had many people volunteer to help with the recount. Thanks to all.
While I enjoyed my 2 hours and 37 minutes as the party’s nominee, we need to get on with the general election and I extend my congratulations to Theresa Chang as the Republican Party’s nominee in the General Election.
Donna Detamore
