News Release — Andrew Julow for Vermont House of Representatives
Aug. 29, 2016
Contact:
Andrew Julow
Telephone: 802-378-5115
Cell: 802-324-1485
Email: andrew@julow.com
Website: Julow2016.com
North Hero, VT, August 29, 2016
On August 25th I received the official findings in regards to the recount of the August 9th Democratic Primary, the results of which had converted a 10 vote margin of victory into a 19 vote deficit. Among the findings of the report was the discovery of 35 ballots from South Hero not supported by the official results or the voter checklist. This fact is clearly noted in the recount report along with the statement that these 35 ballots “cannot be explained based on the recount team’s investigation.” This statement is signed by representatives of both myself and Ben Joseph as well as the County Clerk. As I agree with this statement I will not contest the certification of the recount.
The larger issue is what to do in an election where the number of unexplained ballots exceeds the margin of victory. My hope was that a way could be found to identify these 35 ballots and remove them from the total. This would have been acceptable to me regardless of the outcome, however it has become clear that this is not possible. With that option not on the table, I am finding that my conscious will not allow me to consent to 35 votes of unsubstantiated origin entering the public record on par with those of the valid voters of August 9th. I therefore intend to contest the original election in the hopes of achieving a fair and verifiable expression of the will of the voters in the least disruptive manner. This was by no means an easy decision, however I entered this race to represent the people of Grand Isle County and West Milton and the most fundamental right of any citizen is to feel that their vote was accurately counted. The assurance of that right has and will remain the core of my efforts.
For more information, contact Andrew Julow at andrew@julow.com or 802-324-1485
Read the story on VTDigger here: Grand Isle-Chittenden Democratic House Primary Election to be Contested.
