2004 Ballot Recount: Observer Report
- December 18, 2004:
Report by Green Party Observer - December 15, 2004:
Preliminary Report by Green Party Observer
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"Two precincts were chosen to generate the necessary three percent." "Recount was suspended due to repeated discrepancy ... The tabulator continued to record one more vote for Kerry than the hand count." "The recount will be resumed Monday 12/20." — Green Party Observer |
December 18, 2004:
Report by Green Party Observer
Recount was suspended due to repeated discrepancy.
Two precincts were chosen to generate the necessary three percent. The counting units counted the complete precinct.
A repeated discrepancy in tabulating the Kerry votes of precinct #63 occurred. The tabulator continued to record one more vote for Kerry than the hand count. The machine count was repeated three times with no resolution. The recount will be resumed Monday 12/20, at 8am. Three counting units will be used.
In talking with BOE Director Chuck Miller on the phone, he felt we knew why the discrepancy continued to occur. With the Kerry candidate located in the 10 position, it would be possible that an overvote in the nine position would be determined to be an overvote during manual examination, but the tabulator would be programmed to recognize the 9 spot to be vacant on the face card, and thus be recorded as a vote.
December 15, 2004:
Preliminary Report by Green Party Observer
Tuscarawas Board of Elections (BoE) produced sealed containers of ballots, a first! Counted two full precincts for three percent.
One precinct triple-counted and read, resulting in error. As a result, BOE [Board of Elections] meeting to determine start of full hand count.