Recount based on poll worker’s misunderstanding

Dear Editor:

I am very surprised at the unprofessional tone of the January 1st article regarding the first Goodland Township Board meeting and the Goodland Township Clerk election results.

I particularly do not appreciate the inference that the Township Clerk election recount request was not valid or justified but only served to delay the election results and cause dismay. As always, I wish Amy well in her endeavors.

The media has made this recount request front page news on several occasions but what I find extraordinary is that the reason for the recount request was never mentioned but could have been.

The recount request was based upon a poll worker’s misunderstanding of the legitimacy of straight-ticket ballots that also contained a write-in.

This misunderstanding, coupled with the narrow margin between the candidate votes, resulted in a justifiable recount request.

It is unfortunate that circumstances changed how pre-printed ballots had to be handled with a write-in to vote for a candidate.

It is also unfortunate that I feel I must write this letter, but I have grown weary of the continuous implications that there was not a basis behind the recount request.

Instead of passing judgment on those wishing to serve our community, including our new Goodland Township Board, please take the time to learn all of the facts and details that one is faced with.

— Susan Jones
Goodland Township Resident

Editor’s note: As always, it’s great to see our readers taking an active role in reading the Tri-City Times. The article Mrs. Jones refers to was not about the recount, that she certainly is entitled to request. There were no implied references to the basis for the recount. Rather, the fact is that the Clerk’s race was close, a recount was requested and a final tally made, and certified.