Washington  Election Problems

Other than King County(Touch screen switching from Kerry to Bush, polling place problems, voter intimidation, appearance of discrimination against minority voters, registration problems, provisional ballot problems, absentee ballot problems)

 

King County ( machine problem, registration problems, provisional ballot problems, absentee ballot problems)

 

Snohomish County(Touch screen switching from Kerry to Bush,  registration problems, absentee ballot problems)           http://www.flcv.com/snohomis.html

http://www.votersunite.org/info/SnohomishElectionFraudInvestigation.pdf

 

Pierce County(registration problems, provisional ballot problems, absentee ballot problems)

 

Spokane County(machine problems, registration problems, absentee ballot problems)

 

Clarke County ( polling place problems, voter intimidation, registration problems, absentee ballot problems)

 

Thurston County (Registration problems, provisional ballot problems, apparence of discrimination against minority voters)

 

Yakima County(Polling place problems, provisional ballot)

                               

                                      More documentation at end of Thurston County & Kings County

Yakima County

059085

11/30/04, 6:11 AM PST

Other polling place problem

Yakima, Yakima County, Washington

Reported via e-mail to eirhelp: I was an unpaid poll watcher with the Democratic Party for the 129th & 131st precincts in Yakima, Washington on Nov 2, 2004. In general, there was widespread confusion about where to vote because some polling locations had changed. Many people I spoke to while canvassing in the 129th & 131st precincts for the Democrats and many people I observed at the polls were confused about whether they needed to vote at McClure Elementary, Whitney Elementary, or Eisenhower High School. At the McClure polls (129th & 131st) where I observed, many people chose provisional ballots while some others left to go to a different poll location. (Hopefully they actually made it to the correct location.)

047352

11/02/04, 4:31 PM PST

Registration-related problem; Provisional ballot problem

Yakima County, Washington

Voter called to verify that his provisional ballot would be counted. He voted in the last general election and has not moved since he first registered. Voter was given provisional ballot because his name did not appear on the voter rolls at the polling place.

 

Pierce County

Registration problems/provisional ballot problems

037658

11/02/04, 10:44 AM PST

Registration-related problem; Polling place inquiry

Fort Lewis, Pierce County, Washington

Registered to vote several weeks ago (at voter registration drive at a public event), never received voter registration card

049842

11/02/04, 6:23 PM PST

Registration-related problem

Tacoma, pierce County, Washington

Caller moved from South King County to Pierce County Washington and re-registered to vote at a Wal-Mart registration drive during the second week of October. Caller did not receive confirmation of re-registration

050449

11/02/04, 7:24 PM PST

Registration-related problem

Baker Middle School, 8320 I Street, Tacoma, Tacoma County, Washington

volunteer seeing many problems with voters registration. States that large number of provisional ballots at this precinct (650 regular ballots and 180 provisional ballots. He also spoke to an upset african american lady from another recinct who was not on the roll despite having registered. (her name was Tovah Super and she was turned away from the Lakewood Chruch of Christ precinct and sent to this precinct. Adivised that everyone was allowed to cast provisional ballots.

050728

11/02/04, 7:56 PM PST

Identification-related problem

Harbor Heights Assembly of God, 4417 56th St NW, Gig Harbor, Gig Harbor, Pierce County, Washington

2 voters didn't appear on the rolls. Were not allowed to vote. They thought they were at the correct polling place. Voters asked for advice, poll workers said "I don't know." Voters were not offered provisional ballots

 

 

Absentee ballot problems

024732

11/01/04, 2:47 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem

Tacoma, Pierce County County, Washington

Voter requested absentee ballot several times, but never received one. Is in NY and won't be in WA on election day and believes has been effectively disenfranchised.

025472

11/01/04, 3:51 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem; Provisional ballot problem

Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington

Caller twice requested an absentee ballot, but County says she is not on their list to receive one, and it is now too late. She must work in a different county (King) all week, and cannot likely make it back to Tacoma to vote. Wanted to find a way to get an absentee ballot, or vote provisionally in a different county

027651

11/01/04, 7:26 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem

Pierce County, Washington

Voter called Pierce Co. last week and requested absentee ballot and was told it would be mailed that day, but it has not been received.

027594

11/01/04, 6:59 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem; Polling place inquiry; Other

Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington

Registered to vote absentee; received registration card, but no absentee ballot

042967

11/02/04, 1:49 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem

Pierce County, Washington

Voter is away at college in PA, but registered to vote absentee in WA state. He completed his absentee ballot, and put it in the mailbox on 10/31. He just received it back today and the outside envelope was opened, and destroyed. The inside secrecy ballot was intact. Voter wanted to know what to do.

 

Spokane County

Machine problems

033451

11/02/04, 8:12 AM PST

Machine problem

Rowan & Alberta, Spokane, WA, Spokane, Spokane County, Washington

Caller reported that friend and friend's husband had observed numerous ballots being rejected by machine at polling site. Friend's ballot was accepted; unclear whether friend's husband's ballot was accepted as well.

 

 

Registration problems

025966

11/01/04, 4:19 PM PST

Registration-related problem

Spokane, Spokane County, Washington

Caller had registered in August 2004, apparently through a canvasser who did not ask her party affiliation, but still had not received anything from the registrar indicating that she was registered

 

 

Absentee ballot problems

013589

10/21/04, 12:37 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem

Spokane, Spokane County County, Washington

Recently moved to another address within same county (within last 1 1/2 month). Submitted absentee ballot application. Hasn't received absentee ballot.

038615

11/02/04, 11:21 AM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem

Spokane, Spokane County, Washington

College student- Requested absentee ballot before deadline. Recieved ballot yesterday. Cannot turn it in to election official before today's deadline.

044897

11/02/04, 3:12 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem

Spokane Co, WA & Multnomah Co, OR County, Washington

Caller states she knows of two draft-age young men who requested absentee ballots but did not receive them, when they had always received them before in previous elections. One (her son) had moved and could not return to his original polling place to cast provisional ballot

045059

11/02/04, 4:01 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem; Polling place inquiry

Spokane, spokane County, Washington

recently registered; did not receive absentee ballot; not being told polling place because shown as an absentee voter; inquiring about where to vote so that can vote provisionally at least

 

Clark County

Polling place problems

037557

11/02/04, 10:36 AM PST

Other polling place problem

Raul Eliconzo Elementary School, Seatlle, Clark County County, Washington

 Signage for the polliing place was "woefully inadequate" and could not be seen from the road. Also, signs were pointing in the wrong direction. She was given wrong directions from the Mojave High School to the Raul Encino School by a polling official. Partisan representatives canvassing the schools would not offer information about the possibility of provisional balloting to voters who have voting issues.

 

 

Voter intimidation

028134

11/01/04, 9:42 PM PST

Voter Intimidation

Battleground, Clark County, Washington

Kerry supporter was harrassed by conservative with Bible on her own lawn for having Kerry signs up. He screamed at her and her small kids, then took the signs. This is just an example of how polarized the town is and how conservative everyone is. She cannot trust the local police because they are conservative too. She is afraid to vote tomorrow

 

Registration problems

026903

11/01/04, 5:34 PM PST

Registration-related problem

MARTIN LUTHER KING SCHOOL, VANCOUVER, CLARK County, Washington

HER FAMILY REGISTERED TO VOTE ON THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER OUTSIDE OF A STORE. THEY NEVER RECEIVED THEIR VERIFICATION THAT THEY WERE REGISTER

038675

11/02/04, 11:08 AM PST

Registration-related problem

406 W Yacolt Rd, Yacolt, Clark County, Washington

Voter registered about 1.5 months ago but never received confirmation of his registration.

 

Absentee ballot problems

043247

11/02/04, 2:08 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem

La Center, Clark County, Washington

Recently moved to WA from Portland. Changed registration. Less than 15 days before election, so had to vote absentee. Rec'd voter reg card in mail, but never got absentee ballot. Called main office in Vancouver yesterday to ask about ballot and was told "oh, it looks like we didn't send you one. We must have been too busy."

 

Thurston County

Registration problems, provisional ballot problems, apparence of discrimination

047271

11/02/04, 5:18 PM PST

Registration-related problem; Other polling place problem

Mypollingplace.com comes back with no information; caller didn't know exact address., Olympia, Thurston County, Washington

Voter went to polling place she has always gone to, and to which her registration notice for this election had directed her. She was told that she was not on their list and that her registration notice & ID were of no help. Voter filled out a provisional ballot, then called the county auditor to see what had happened. She was told that attempts had been made to mail her a notice and that they had been returned by the post office. Voter has lived at the same residence throughout, has never had a problem voting in the past, and has never had a problem receiving mail. Voter is mixed-race (Black/Korean) and noted that several other minority voters were being turned away as unlisted at her location. The county auditor also informed her that many people were having this problem in her precinct.

048619

11/02/04, 5:28 PM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem; Other polling place problem

Nursing home, 430 Lilly Rd., Olympia, Phurston County, Washington

Although a long-time absentee voter, she did not receive her ballot this year. She did not call the county. She tried to go to her polling station, but she can't find it. the listed address is inaccurate, and there are no signs. she was able to call the facility, and they said, "it's not really on lilly rd.," and gave her directions. She found them inaccurate and difficult to follow. She doesnt know how anybody could find it.

039340

11/02/04, 11:35 AM PST

Registration-related problem

Lacey, Thurston County, Washington

Registered at WalMart in late October - signed petition re health care costs and insurance and had to be registered to sign, so they registered him to vote. At polling place didn't have his name and gave him provisional ballot

038850

11/02/04, 11:21 AM PST

Registration-related problem; Polling place inquiry

Olympia, Thurston County, Washington

Voter changed address but never received confirmation

Thurston County. Some absentee voters haven't received ballots mailed in mid-October 

The Olympian,  http://www.votersunite.org/article.asp?id=3473

 

Thurston County. The Thurston County elections staff recounted an estimated 81,000 ballots first tallied Election Day after learning that computer software wasn't set up properly for the first count. In this case, an "F2 key" was not punched when elections workers set up the vote-counting machines prior to Tuesday's election, Wyman said   The Olympian

http://www.votersunite.org/article.asp?id=3705

 

Grays Harbor County. Elections officials started recounting about 28,000 ballots on Tuesday after the ES&S Unity reporting system showed too many votes. After ballots were counted, the results were saved on computer disks and downloaded into another computer to keep a running tally. Some of the disks were apparently downloaded twice by mistake. The Unity software is supposed to prevent that from happening   AP,      http://www.votersunite.org/article.asp?id=3876

 

Skagit County. An investigation of anomalies in the recount of the governor's race led county officials to discover, from ES&S, that a vote is counted incorrectly in approximately 1 in 10,000 ovals read by their high-speed optical scanner. Since the governor's race had four options, the estimate is that 1 in 2500 votes was counted incorrectly. Votes counted incorrectly in Skagit County alone amount to half the margin between the top two candidates        Skagit Valley News,

http://www.votersunite.org/article.asp?id=4068

 

Franklin County. 84 more votes for reported Governor than ballots reported.  King5 News

http://www.votersunite.org/article.asp?id=4022

 

With 17 counties' hand-counts completed, 249 new votes have been found for governor, and 11 votes have either changed or disappeared    http://www.komotv.com/stories/34350.htm

 

The Washington Secretary of State won't investigate anomalies in the vote counting process, pointed out by Gregoire, one of the candidates in a virtual tie for Governor, and refuses to give counties time to investigate   King5 News,   ,   http://www.votersunite.org/article.asp?id=4022

 

In the Governor's race, a hand recount of nearly 3 million ballots overturned the outcome reported by machine counts. Republican Dino Rossi received 261 more votes than Democrat Christine Gregoire in the first machine count; Rossi received 42 more votes in the second machine recount and lost to Gregroire by 10 votes in the manual recount. 566 additional ballots in King County raised Gregoire's margin to 130.  

 http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_122304_news_governor_recount.3b8d3736.html

 

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King County(Seattle)

Machine problem, late opening poll

039736

11/02/04, 12:19 PM PST

Polling place inquiry

bellevue masonic temple, bellevue, king County, Washington

officials feeding ballots in machine, machine breaks down, poll worker put ballots in absentee ballot bin and said ballots would be counted with the absentee ballots later

033928

11/02/04, 8:15 AM PST

Late opening

Lowell Elementary School on 11th Ave. , Seattle, King County County, Washington

Caller went to polling place at 7:10 am and was told that there were no ballots and that ballots would not be available until 7:30 am. She went back to work and will vote at a later time. However, she and others were advised by poll workers (she said they were state employees, not volunteers)to go to another polling location to cast a provisional ballot. [P]

 

Registration problems/provisional ballot problems

015693

10/26/04, 5:29 PM PST

Registration-related problem

King County, Washington

Her daughter had sent a change of address 6 weeks ago and contacted her voter registration office, they told her she was not listed and was informed that she had to vote with a provisional ballot at her precinct

022016

11/01/04, 10:47 AM PST

Absentee-ballot related problem; Registration-related problem

Seattle, King County, Washington

Someone came to his door to register him about 2 months ago. he is almost positive he checked the "send me an absentee ballot" part of the form. no absentee ballot has arrived and no confirming communication of registration. Also, in response to my inquiry, no calls or mail of any kind asking him to vote for anyone/thing. He is worried he is not really registered and the door-to-door thing was a scam.

022624

11/01/04, 11:38 AM PST

Registration-related problem

4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Seattle , King County, Washington

Registered with change of address but had not received confirmation or new precint information

025681

11/01/04, 3:53 PM PST

Registration-related problem

4456 42nd Ave, Seattle , King County, Washington

Never received confirmation of registration which she did on line two months ago.

026341

11/01/04, 4:55 PM PST

Registration-related problem; Polling place inquiry

Sunrise Elementary School