491 Chicago precincts hit by code error
A coding mistake swapped ballot quantities at split polling locations, causing shortages in parts of the city.
By James Mitchell ·
491 Chicago polling locations are split precincts, and a coding error swapped the quantities of different ballot styles at some of them. The mistake left certain sites with too few papers for specific races while holding extra ballots for others.
The Chicago Board of Elections confirmed the glitch on Wednesday. Spokesperson Julie Metea said the error affected computerized calculations for generating ballot style quantities. She stated that for every precinct, the total number of ballots provided was correct, but the distribution among styles was transposed in some locations. Metea called this the first time the Board has experienced this type of error.
Voters felt the impact on Election Day. Lines formed at polling places on the North, South, and West Sides. Eleazar Garza, a voter in Pilsen, said he waited for hours. Meredith Anderer in the First Ward reported that staff told her they were out of paper ballots. Tahya Bailey in West Chatham said her location simply ran out.
Alderman Daniel La Spata witnessed the shortages at Goethe Elementary School. He called the Board at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday to request more paper ballots. He said the new ballots did not start printing until two hours later. La Spata noted that many local school board races are decided by margins of less than one percentage point.
It is unclear if the shortage stopped anyone from voting. The Board declined on-camera interview requests from multiple outlets. It sent an email stating it does not yet know how widespread the shortages were. An ongoing investigation will determine the exact number of precincts that ran out of at least one ballot style.
The Board's IT department has added automated validation checks and system safeguards. These new tools are designed to catch similar issues before quantities are sent to the printing vendor. La Spata is urging residents to voice concerns at a budget committee hearing on Nov. 9.
Metea apologized to voters for the delays. She thanked those who waited for their turn. The Board is working to restore confidence in the election process.
