“If You See Something, Say Something” is a well-known slogan. Well, we have seen some disturbing things the citizens of Osage County need to be aware of, and we are concerned that these “things” present challenges to democracy in our county, the state of Missouri, and our nation. Our rights may be taken away by seemingly innocent sounding groups such as “Cause of America” and by followers of “The Big Lie” Mike Lindell. They are not just on television; they are at work here in Osage County. Democracy is in peril, and the excuse “I didn’t know” is not acceptable!
Hand counting ballots at the April 4, election was an unnecessary reversal of lawful procedure that has served the county well for 25 years. Despite there being NO allegations of irregularities using tabulation machines, the April election used expensive and time-consuming hand counting. Although an impression was given that most Osage County citizens wanted to revert to hand counting, it was only a small, vocal group that applied pressure for change.
Out of 9,817 registered voters in Osage County, 1,765 citizens (or 17.6%) cast votes April 4. Voters did NOT have a choice between hand counting and using tabulation machines. According to basic voting rules, that was not a majority of voters. Majority rule has been accepted in normal conduction of elections, and these numbers do not represent a majority! Also, officials have not yet determined the extra expenses to the county and its subdivisions compared to last year.
Other facts to consider:
• “Cause of America”, an outside group, trained 44 bipartisan counters, only 11 of whom were identified as Osage County residents. State Law HB1878 allows election judges to be used from outside the county, if necessary. The 33 non-residents were from all over the state. Another lingering question: “Were the bipartisan counters actually bipartisan?”
• It has not yet been determined if these counters were unpaid volunteers or to be paid as poll judges.
• Because it took a bipartisan team two days beyond the election to certify and verify results, additional costs were added.
• The more hands cast ballots pass through, the more mistakes may be made and, thus, the integrity of the election results called into question.
• The cost of maintaining and upgrading tabulators are figured into contracts, so county costs can be budgeted each year. Federal money is appropriated every year through Help America Vote Act 2002. States receive funds for maintenance and replacement of tabulators through this fund.
• Tabulators are NOT connected to the internet; they are only connected to electricity.
• Hand counting of ballots after 25 years of spotless use of tabulators calls into question the integrity of past and present Osage County Clerks.
Osage County Democratic
Central Committee
Larry L. Hunt, Chair
