A coding error in the computer system used to prepare ballots caused problems at some Chicago polling places during Tuesday’s midterm elections. Some precincts ran out of certain types of ballots, leading to delays and long lines. The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners has identified the cause of the problem but is still determining its scale.
System Error Led to Ballot Shortage
The board’s investigation found that the problems stemmed from a coding error in the computer system that calculated how many ballots of each type were needed.
The irregularities affected some of the city’s 491 so-called split precincts. These are areas where voters belong to different electoral districts, so different sets of ballots are needed there.
According to officials, all polling places received the correct total number of ballots, but the distribution was not always right. As a result, some locations had a surplus of one type of ballot while running short of others.
After the problem was detected, the board began printing and delivering additional ballots to the affected polling places. Additional electronic voting machines were also provided.
Officials say the polling places stayed open long enough for people waiting in line to cast their votes.
Number of Affected Polling Places Unknown
Chicago has a total of 1,291 precincts, including 491 split precincts. The board has not yet determined in how many of them shortages of particular ballot types occurred.
Board representatives stress that this was the first error of its kind. In response, the IT department has put in place additional automated checks and safeguards intended to prevent similar problems in future elections.
The board apologized to voters for the inconvenience and delays at some polling places.
Nearly 660,000 Voters Cast Ballots in Chicago
Despite the organizational problems, Tuesday’s midterm elections in Chicago saw high turnout. Preliminary data released Wednesday show that 659,995 of the 1,565,133 registered voters cast ballots.
By that time, 1,241 of the 1,291 precincts had reported results. Of the more than 242,000 mail-in ballots requested, 109,215 were returned.
The figures are not yet final. The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners has 21 days from Election Day to complete all procedures and officially certify the results. Only then will it be possible to accurately assess this year’s turnout and compare it with earlier elections.
Source: Polski.FM
