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Officials: 1,650 Primary Ballots Improperly Handled

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Just how messed up is it? The State Board of Elections continues its review of the primary election.

Miscounted ballots, polls opening late and more problems reported by voters -- the state refused to accept the results.

Political reporter Pat Warren has local reaction to the state review.

It's being called the most troubled city election in recent history, ending with the state and other jurisdictions helping Baltimore get its vote count straight.

"There will be precincts that cannot be explained. We don't know what happened. The numbers simply don't match," said Linda Lamone, state elections administrator.

The ballots weren't the only problem.

"Judges not there, so polls not opening on time, people coming out and telling me they're Democrats and they were told they had to use a Republican ballot," said Mary Pat Clarke, Baltimore City Council.

Out of Baltimore's 296 precincts, only 75 had the number of voters and ballots match up. The state review finds 1,653 ballots were mishandled -- 1,188 were provisional ballots counted when they should not have been. Another 465 provisional ballots weren't considered at all.

City elections director Armstead Jones says the problem is the provisional ballot system.

Warren: "So when there are people who say 'heads should roll,' yours should not be one of them?"

Jones: "Well, I'll take account for things that I have control over."

City Council member Mary Pat Clarke would sure like to know what those things are.

"Haven't we had enough trouble and disruption and trauma that this election should have clearly said, 'OK, new days. Let's go.' Instead, it said, 'Big mess. We're going to have to go on, but it's under the worst of circumstances.' We deserve better than that," said Clarke.

It may not be over yet.

The Baltimore City Council intends to question the Board of Elections at a budget hearing next month.

Once the city results are certified, there is a three-day opportunity to challenge the results in court or request a recount.

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