Election Commissioner: Polling mistake did not affect Shawnee County races
Originally published 10:23 a.m., August 6, 2008
Updated 05:15 p.m., August 6, 2008
A human error in entering polling data in Shawnee County is causing concern about the validity of the county's and statewide election results.
After a review of results, Shawnee County Election Commissioner Elizabeth Ensley held a press conference where she assured the public that the winners of Shawnee County races have not changed. Ensley could not speak to whether any statewide results were impacted.
The Republican race for the nomination for U.S. House of Representatives (2nd District) between Jim Ryun and Lynn Jenkins was particularly close and may be affected.
49 News is currently trying to get updated results from the Kansas Secretary of State's office. We should know in about 20 minutes whether any races have changed and will bring you that information as it becomes available.
The error, discovered early this morning, was associated with the tally of paper ballots in 40 precincts.
The error originated when the results of federal service ballots were entered in the wrong column in the tabulation sheet, causing the computer to miss about 4,000 results that came in on paper ballot.
"The equipment believed it had information for those precincts," Ensley said, when in fact it missed about 4,000 votes.
Ensley says she takes full responsibility for the problem because it occurred in her office.
"There was an error last night," she said. "I can assure you it's not going to happen again."
The Shawnee County Board of Canvassers will conduct a canvass of the results Monday at 9 a.m.; that's when the county's results will become official.
Tune in to 49 News at 6 or check back with KTKA.com for the outcome of the review.
2008 Primary Election Coverage
- Election Commissioner: Polling mistake did not affect Shawnee County races (Aug. 6, 2008)
- Post-primary notes of interest (Aug. 6, 2008)
- Slattery will face Roberts (Aug. 5, 2008)
- Being a hometown guy could bring a win (Aug. 5, 2008)
- Potential new face behind the DA's desk (Aug. 5, 2008)
- Republicans battle to face Boyda in November (Aug. 5, 2008)
- 2008 primary election results (Aug. 5, 2008)
- Dad teaches his children importance of voting (Aug. 5, 2008)
- Voters head to the polls to narrow down pool of candidates (Aug. 5, 2008)
Earlier statement that the canvass would be Friday was wrong and has been corrected.
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