Chicago Elections Board Blames Code Glitch for Ballot Shortages
Officials cite a calculation error that led to mismatched ballot styles in split precincts during Tuesday's midterm vote.
By Luka Evans ·
The Chicago Board of Elections attributed ballot shortages and extended wait times at polling locations on Tuesday to a specific coding error in its ballot calculation system. Officials released this finding on Wednesday as they continue to tally votes from the midterm election. The board stated that the error affected how the computerized system determined the quantity of ballots sent to specific sites.
The issue specifically impacted Chicago’s 491 split precincts. These locations require multiple ballot styles because they serve voters from different election districts. While every precinct received the correct total number of ballots, the distribution of styles was incorrect. Some sites received too many of one type and too few of another.
Upon discovering the discrepancy, election workers began printing and delivering additional ballots to the affected areas. They also deployed extra electronic voting machines to help manage the flow of voters. The board confirmed that polling places stayed open long enough to serve every person still waiting in line.
Preliminary data released Wednesday indicates strong voter participation despite the logistical hurdles. A total of 659,995 voters have cast ballots out of 1,565,133 registered residents. Results have been reported from 1,241 of the city’s 1,291 precincts. Additionally, 109,215 mail-in ballots have been returned out of 242,230 that were requested.
The board said this is the first time it has encountered this type of technical error. Its IT department has since added automated validation checks and new safeguards to prevent similar issues in future elections. Officials have not yet determined the exact number of precincts that experienced shortages of one or more ballot styles.
“The Chicago Board of Elections apologizes to voters for the error that slowed the lines at certain precincts,” the board said in its statement. The agency has 21 days from Election Day to finalize and officially proclaim the results. Updated figures will be posted at chicagoelections.gov as officials continue to tabulate remaining data.
