Here is the letter I got from King County elections today:
Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns and giving us the opportunity to respond. Please give us a moment of your time to consider the facts, and not simply the political rhetoric.
We are not aware of any evidence of fraud or misconduct parting the administration of King County's election or recount processes. The rate of accuracy in any election in Washington State is approximately 99.9 percent. In a race this close, there is little room for even the smallest amount of human error; however, when errors do occur, election officials refer to our longstanding laws in place to ensure the errors are corrected in an open, fair and transparent manner. The record shows King County has done just that.
The standard by which King County Elections conducted this election is the same standard used in every county in accordance with state law.
Unlike Florida in 2000, Washington State has explicit election laws in place when human errors or discrepancies in the election process occur. This provides county canvassing boards and election officials' structured and consistent guidance to correct mistakes (RCW 29A.60.210).
When staff became aware that a group of ballots were incorrectly categorized and rejected, we researched and corrected the error, a decision which was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court (read the decision at http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=763992MAJ ).
We understand in a race this close, political rhetoric is at an all time high; however, it is important to step back from these accusations and look at the facts in a nonpartisan manner.
The facts show:
* All 39 counties added votes to their original election returns during the machine and manual recounts. This is expected. Five counties added ballots during the recount process, King County being one of those. The other four counties used the same state law to correct discrepancies and add previously uncounted ballots to their election returns. The additional 566 previously uncounted ballots included in the manual recount represents a .06% fraction of change in King County's election return.
* King County did not change the way it conducts elections along the way. In fact, the county resisted efforts by the political parties to change procedures. Twice the Washington State Supreme Court validated King County's election decisions in two separate cases filed by the State Democratic Party and the State Republican Party.
* King County military and overseas ballots were mailed on time and alternative faxed and e-mailed ballots were offered to voters whose ballots did not arrive in time. All voted ballots received prior to certification of the General Election were counted as long as the ballot was signed on or before November 2. In fact, only 16 ballots from the "military/overseas/Federal Write-in" grouping were received too late to be counted. For more information, please visit: http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/news/2005_01_05.htm
* The remaining difference in the number of votes cast versus the number of registrations credited with voting in the 2004 General Election is approximately 1,800 - an accuracy rate of 99.8% based on close to 900,000 ballots cast. This number is consistent with historic reconciliation rates for King County. In 2000 this number was 1,230.
* Election officials conduct every election in an open and transparent process and work together with the parties to hire poll workers and official party observers. To ensure questions were answered on time and in an efficient manner, election supervisors met with party observer representatives throughout the day and every night during the recount to address any questions or concerns.
* With nearly 900,000 ballots cast, King County issued and counted more ballots than almost any other jurisdiction in the country, second only to Los Angeles County, California.
We welcome your feedback and appreciate the opportunity to provide additional information in response to your concerns.
Thank you,
King County Records, Elections & Licensing Services Division
King County Admin. Bldg., #553
500 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
LOL..they couldn't find a single soul to sign that...hahahahahaha
When staff became aware that a group of ballots were incorrectly categorized and rejected, we researched and corrected the error,
By utilizing a marker to designate voter intent?
They just keep lying through their teeth. It's galling.
Can't quite seem to find the signature of the public servant dishing up that trash.