10-26-1984 - Special
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 26, 1984
Mayor Ledbetter called the special meeting to order at 4:05 P.M.
in the Voting Machine Warehouse, 2500 Auburn Avenue, New Smyrna
Beach.
ROLL CALL
Mayor David Ledbetter
Councilman Melbourne Wargo
Councilwoman Gigi Bennington
Councilman Neil Asting
Councilman Jack Spencer
City Attorney Jose' Alvarez
City Clerk Connie Kinsey
Police Chief Douglas Betts
Present
Absent
Present
Present
Present
Absent
Present
Present
Also present were: Katherine Odham, Stewart Hendricks of Volusia
County Elections Department and Jo Anne Sikes, Edgewater Elections
Clerk for Precinct 24A.
Mayor Ledbetter read the meeting notice, this meeting is for the
City Council to examine the counters and tabulations on the paper
ballots in Precinct 24A for the primary election held October 23,1984.
Mrs. Odham verified that the machine in question is locked and that
everything was done properly.
Mr. Hendricks opened the machine, explaining that sometimes five-part
paper is used, and sometimes three-part paper is used. In this case
one of the carbon sheets was missing. The machine operated properly,
however the sheet that came out of the machine for the elections
clerk did not have:carbon, the numbers were imprinted and some were
illegible.
Mrs. Sikes explaine~ to the Council what had happened that night.
She gave Mrs. Kinsey the envelope with the ballot sheets for opening
and viewing by the Council members. Each Council member had the
opportunity to look over the sheets, seeing the one that had carbon
and the one that did not. Councilman Spencer held the sheet up to
the machine and the numbers from the machine were read and checked
off with the numbers recorded the night of the election. All numbers
agreed with the official count.
Mrs. Sikes again commented that she had asked the night of the election
if anyone wanted an explanation as to what had taken place. At that
time no one felt it was necessary. She added that her mistake was
trying to read any of the numbers at all, however it was at the re-
quest of the people present at the polls that she did so. She did
announce that the numbers were not clear and the count she was giving
was unofficial. When Mr. Hendricks arrived and cleared the other
paper from the machine, the official numbers were read.
Mr. Hendricks explained the operation of the machine, from the time
it is locked prior to the election to the locking of it after the
election. He showed everyone that the counter can not be moved,
and added that he has been doing this for twenty years.
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Councilman Spencer stated we have seen that there is not a faulty
machine involved, we should dispose of any further examination of
the machine; he moved the Council accept the official election
count as it is. Councilman Asting seconded the motion.
Councilwoman Bennington and Councilman Asting had no questions.
Mr. Richardson asked why the numbers were given to the people in
the audience and why the numbers on Richardson/Inman/Turano were
not read, but the others were?
Mrs. Sikes reiterated that she tried to read the numbers as re-
quested by the people present, this was the only mistake that was
made. She should have made everyone wait for the official numbers.
Mr. Opal stated he did have some question about the count, but this
shows the lack of the carbon caused the problem.
Mr. Christy said this is all unnecessary and they should just accept
the way the election turned out and not waste everyone's time.
Mrs. Odham commented that she tried to tell everyone what had
happened, but they would not listen, and it is unfortunately things
like this that puts doubt in people~ minds. It is a simple fact of
the second carbon missing and the numbers did not show up on the
sheet.
Mayor Ledbetter said no one questioned the machine being tampered
with; he is satisfied with the results of the election.
Pat LaMee asked if the three protesters were all satisfied and if
the protests will be withdrawn?
Mr. Opal and Mr. Richardson both implied there was no problem.
Mayor Ledbetter, however, stated he will have to consult with
his attorney before withdrawing his protest.
Mrs. Odham informed the Council that due to the upcoming elections,
the machines will be cleared Sunday at midnight, and any decision
other than the one made here today will have to be quick.
Upon roll call vote on the motion to accept the machine's figures,
the motion CARRIED 3-1. Mayor Ledbetter voting NO.
Councilman Asting made a motion to adjourn, being seconded by
Councilwoman Bennington. The meeting adjourned at 4:25 P.M.
Debbie Sigler
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Minutes submitted by:
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Council Meeting
Oct. 26,1984