One of the largest elections in the city’s recent history could have played a part in slow elections results coming from Port Arthur on May 14, city officials said. The city of Port Arthur’s election night performance has been a source of concern for some, and prompted city officials to issue a statement of explanation.
Acting City Secretary Sherri Bellard and Acting Assistant City Secretary Kelly Moore issued a press release Friday in response to concerns that election results were not made available until about 11 p.m., an hour or longer than other area cities on May 14.
Election administrators’ main focus was placed on accuracy and due diligence, the release stated. Early voting results were released immediately after tabulation and the Election Day results were released shortly after, and well within the 24 hour period required by state law, according to the statement.
“Please know that we in no manner deliberately withheld any information regarding the results of the election. But in an effort to address these concerns we have taken a detailed look at certain areas that can be adjusted and plan to implement these changes for the Runoff Election to be held on June 25,” the release stated.
…School board candidate Julia Samuels this week announced plans to contest the election. Samuels said she believes there were numerous irregularities occurring over the course of the election, and went so far to charge corruption.
Samuels said she is wary of the accuracy of the electronic voting machines, and the degree of user difficulty, especially for elderly voters. When one of the machines malfunctioned during early voting, and paper ballots were used in its place, Samuels said she was concerned about voting officials ability to safeguard the ballots.
Full Article: PA explains election night results delay » Local News » PAnews.com, Port Arthur, Texas.
