Memphis, Tenn. - The Shelby County Election Commission (SCEC) discovered that the House of Representatives, District 8, should have been on the ballot in that area. Yet, another congressional race, District 9, was listed. Only 50 ballots had been cast when the error was discovered on Monday, October 31, allowing corrected ballots to be issued for the remainder of that day and the other two remaining days of Early Voting.
“Upon our awareness of the clerical error, which originated at the local level, we immediately corrected the ballot for future voters in that area,” said Linda Phillips, Shelby County Administrator of Elections. “Out of an abundance of caution, we then conducted another thorough review of all other precincts, and no further issues were identified.”
Phillips says this issue would only affect the outcome of the election if there is less than a 50-vote margin between the top two vote-getters of the Congressional Races in District 8 or 9.
“To build community confidence and trust in the election process, we must be transparent about any issue with our elections,” said Phillips. “In Shelby County, we aim to keep voters informed, even if the news is difficult to share.”
Phillips will host her first Election Day media briefing at Berclair Church of Christ, the affected location, at 6:30 a.m. She wants firsthand assurance that the process there goes smoothly.
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Shelby County Election Commission: The Shelby County Election Commission (SCEC) is composed of five members, appointed by the Tennessee State Election Commission, for two-year terms in odd-numbered calendar years. As a body, they are responsible for conducting all public elections fairly in Shelby County and certifying election results.
