Article published Thursday, November 10, 2005
ELECTION 2005: BOARD OF ELECTIONS
State plans to investigate voting chaos; Tuesday's problems are latest
for Lucas County
By CHRISTOPHER D. KIRKPATRICK
BLADE STAFF WRITER
With the final Lucas County vote count from Tuesday's election not
released until 9 a.m. yesterday - the last among Ohio's 88 counties -
state officials say they plan to investigate the county's board of
elections.
Carlo LoParo, spokesman for the secretary of state's office, said the
poor performance Tuesday was "frustrating" because of previous strides
made, including a glitch-free Sept. 13 primary.
COMPLETE RESULTS
Results"It's an all too familiar process at the Lucas County Board of
Elections. We'll begin by interviewing staff and reviewing their
preparation plans," he said of the coming investigation.
The board of elections has been criticized by Ohio Secretary of State
Kenneth Blackwell, who in April said all four board members should
resign or he would fire them because of problems with the November,
2004, presidential election.
snip-
Scene of chaos
But the scene at midnight was one of chaos on the third floor, with the special red and green bags holding memory cartridges and printed tapes of votes lining the hallways, piled on the floor in the elections office, and dumped in a large cart sitting unattended near the elevators.
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051110/NEWS09/511100477My Letter to the Editor:
The article by Blade Reporter Christopher Kirkpatrick, "State Plans to Investigate Voting Chaos" (Nov. 10, 2005) tells of problems that appear to be a disturbing recurrence for voters in Lucas County. Lucas County incurred such serious problems concerning the 2004 election that Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell's office was forced to release a scathing investigative report regarding facts surrounding the Lucas County Board of Election. This report contained seriously allegations of ballot security. One year later, Lucas County voters should have concerns as Mr. Kirkpatrick reports:
"But the scene at midnight was one of chaos on the third floor, with the special red and green bags holding memory cartridges and printed tapes of votes lining the hallways, piled on the floor in the elections office, and dumped in a large cart sitting unattended near the elevators."
The majority of Americans do not have access to high price lobbyists. Our vote is the only way to have a voice in our democracy. J. Kenneth Blackwell is responsible for voting in Ohio in his role as Ohio Secretary of State. It is his responsibility to see that the Board of Elections in Lucas County is fully prepared to implement an election. Mr Blackwell has failed the voters of Lucas County in two elections. Remind me again of just where the buck stops.