Official Calls For ‘Overhaul’ Of Election Process After Mercer County Debacle

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — County Executive Brian M. Hughes has called for a “comprehensive overhaul” of the election process, in wake of voting machines malfunction on election day.

Hughes also asked officials to conduct a “thorough public review” of what went wrong on election day.

On Nov. 8, issues with voting machine scanners were reported across the County, with residents resorting to manual balloting. More: More: Voting Machine Issues Reported In Mercer Co. On Election Day: Clerk

Ballots were also reported missing from three districts in Princeton and one in Robbinsville. More: UPDATE: Ballots Go Missing In Mercer County, Officials Go To Court

“After issues in the last two elections, I have come to the conclusion that we must fundamentally change the management of the election process in Mercer County because it is clearly not working,” Hughes said.

“There are legal limits to what I can do as County Executive but rest assured that I will do everything within my power to ensure the integrity of elections in Mercer County and will tolerate nothing less.”

The issue with the voting machines is now a criminal investigation, but it’s still not clear what happened on election day. Voting count slowed down and missing ballots added to the chaos.

In Mercer County, three separate entities - the Board of Elections, the Superintendent of Elections, and the Office of the County Clerk - play a role in elections.

Hughes lauded County Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello's move to request an investigation into the matter.

“But we also need a more thorough and public review. We’ve got too many people in control and the quality of our elections has suffered as a result, undermining peoples’ faith in the democratic process,” Hughes said.

Hughes, who has served as County Executive since 2003, suggested a special meeting of the Commissioner Board, the County Clerk, Superintendent and Election Board Chair to explain to the public what went wrong.

He also suggested merging the Office of the Superintendent and the Board, and having an experienced Executive Director oversee elections in Mercer County.

“I pledge to you that we will get to the bottom of this and that every vote will be counted,” Hughes said.

“I have listened to the people of Mercer County and have spoken with election officials, and we are committed to finding out how we can improve the election process and to prevent future incidents as the one on Election Day.”

On Nov. 10, County election officials went to court for permission to open storage compartments of voting machines to check if any ballots were left behind. Superior Court Judge William Anklowitz approved the request.

Princeton ballots were counted on Friday. More: Missing Princeton Ballots Found, But Officials Seek Answers

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