Computer “Glitch” Blamed for Election Miscount

Interesting case of computer voting systems going terribly wrong:

Initial results of that referendum on May 21 showed 512 supporting the tax and 498 opposing it — a victory of just 14 points. Officials said, however, that a problem associated with new voting machines necessitated a recount by the county, which began May 31.

The final results released Tuesday morning showed support for the ballot question improved considerably, with 724 voting yes and 287 voting no — a difference of 437 votes.

From a 14 to 437 point spread, a massive change in the results. The problem was “illegible” ballots that triggered the count by humans.