(Republicaninformer.com)- An inquiry into voting issues in Monmouth County, New Jersey, was launched last week by the state’s attorney general, Matthew Platkin, in response to concerns from the general public.
Double-counting votes may have altered at least one municipal election’s outcome in 2022; an investigation is now underway.
The New Jersey Globe reported earlier this month that several municipalities in Monmouth County, situated on the coast of central New Jersey, experienced tabulation issues that were reportedly only identified two months after the midterm elections as part of a Board of Elections investigation into an unrelated matter.
The Globe, however, released a second story claiming that county authorities were informed of the problems with the voting machines in November.
According to Platkin, the electoral process’s integrity must be maintained to protect New Jerseyans’ right to vote in a free and fair election. He said to promote and maintain public confidence in our elections, “a complete inquiry is necessary, including suggestions for modifications to better the conduct of contests statewide.”
To request a court to permit a “complete recount and recheck” in the communities impacted by the voting machine issue, Platkin teamed up with Monmouth County authorities on January 20.
Officials from Monmouth County urged the state to make adjustments and said they would support any probe into the election software problem by the New Jersey attorney general. According to a business representative, ES&S “pledges to collaborate with Monmouth County to ensure all required actions are done to assure election accuracy.”
Although many municipalities were involved, one local election—the battle for the Ocean Township Board of Education—was close enough that extra votes may have changed the outcome. Former board member Steve Clayton defeated incumbent Jeffrey Weinstein by 20 votes, while an unofficial count had Weinstein ahead by 1.
Although Clayton began serving this month, he recognized that the ultimate outcomes might differ.
“Until I decide otherwise, I am a board member,” Clayton declared.
According to Platkin, his agency hired Patterson, Belknap, Webb, and Tyler LLP pro bono to investigate whether any individuals or organizations violated the New Jersey Civil Rights Act. The probe will be headed by Peter Harvey, a former federal prosecutor and attorney general of New Jersey. The attorney general’s office says Harvey offers “immense expertise in civil rights cases and directing complicated and sensitive investigations.”
