Kanawha Co. Announces Possible Vote Tabulation Issue with 1,700 Ballots

This is a developing story and may be updated. 

Following Tuesday’s midterm election, Kanawha County election officials have announced that more than 1,700 ballots may have not yet been counted. Technical issues with voting machines could affect vote totals at 20 precincts across the county, including locations in Elkview, Clendenin, Pinch and Kanawha City.

County election officials made the announcement at a Friday news conference.

They say they aren’t yet sure how these potentially uncounted ballots might affect races in the area.

But with the votes in question occurring in statehouse districts with tight races, a final count has the potential to change the outcome in at least two races.

According to vote totals from the Associated Press, Democrat Richard Lindsey is ahead of Republican incumbent Ed Gaunch by 288 votes in the 8th state Senate District. In the House of Delegates’ 36th District, Democrat Amanda Estep-Burton is currently 27 votes ahead of Republican Chris Pritt for the district’s third seat.

County officials say they will hold a meeting at 7 a.m. Tuesday to begin considering next steps.