Heavy voter turnout equals long lines at the polls
Election Day in Meade County experienced a higher-than-expected voter turnout. And with that turnout came long lines, long waits and a few problems. The problem of most concern was that of precinct workers allowing more than a few people to sign in at one time and then sending them to another line to wait for a machine. Several voters either called or came into the clerk’s office to voice their concern about this practice. According to County Clerk Katrina Fitzgerald, precinct workers are advised during training that they are to let only two or three people sign in at a time, creating in effect a funnel through which voters flow to the voting machines. With the increased turnout however, said Fitzgerald, the precinct workers signing voters in were likely responding to the longer lines and trying to get their portion done. “We’ve addressed the problem,” said Fitzgerald shortly before 2 p.m. on Election Day. “As soon as the situation was brought to our attention, we immediately began contacting the precincts.” Some precincts were called; a deputy clerk visited others. At press time, Fitzgerald anticipated no problems with the tallies at the precincts. If there is a discrepancy, however, that issue will be addressed with the state board of elections. There are safeguards in place to ensure legality in all elections. The following is standard procedure followed for each election. Three days after the election, Fitzgerald will review the sheriff’s reports from each precinct and send a letter to the commonwealth’s attorney noting anything of concern in the reports. The sheriff’s reports will include such information as incidents which occurred at the precinct and notations if voters signed in but then left before they voted. Ten days later, Fitzgerald will send another letter to the commonwealth’s attorney outlining anything else that may have come up in the meantime. The commonwealth’s attorney will review the reports and present them to the grand jury the next time it convenes. The grand jury will then review the materials and ask Fitzgerald any questions they may have. Action will be taken if the grand jury sees evidence of criminal activity. If a candidate disputes the results, that individual may request a recanvass no later than Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. The recanvass would then take place Nov. 16 at 9 a.m.
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By SANDRA STONE