Election worker's error may reverse close race outcome

An election worker's 10-vote recording error may reverse the race's outcome, The Bay City Times reported yesterday.

This week, vote canvassers found that 10 absentee ballots were left out of the tally submitted by Arenac County's Lincoln Township.

All were marked for incumbent Circuit Judge Michael Matuzak, handing him the election by three votes. Nearly 20,000 voters cast ballots in the race.

For Roscommon Probate Judge Baumgartner, a loss in the recount would be a repeat of the 1996 Circuit Court election.

In that race, initial returns pronounced him the winner, and a recount handed the judgeship to Ronald Bergeron of Standish.

"The situation we're seeing in Arenac isn't common, but it's not unheard of," said Josephine Scott, state election specialist.

This race is not yet decided, election workers warn.

"It's all up in the air," said Roma Dijak, Arenac County clerk. "Our canvassers still have not certified the election.

They're being very careful. They still have some questions."

Once Arenac finishes its ballot recheck, the Michigan Bureau of Elections must certify the Nov. 3 election. State canvassers expect to do so at their Nov. 23 meeting.

After state certification, Matuzak and Baumgartner have two days to ask for a recount.

It's likely at least Matuzak will do so: the circuit judge has already signed and had notarized a recount petition, Ogemaw County Clerk Gary Klacking said.

The 34th circuit represents Arenac, Ogemaw and Roscommon counties.

11-12-98