Candidate says she lost by nine votes; commissioners say election office error is under investigation

Jennifer Stains, who identified herself as a local candidate, told the Board of Commissioners she lost a November election by nine votes and described what she called unprofessional and dismissive interactions when she sought a recount.

"On November 4, I lost the election by 9 votes," Stains said at public comment, describing follow-up calls and an experience she called unprofessional and painful.

Chair responded on behalf of the commissioners, apologized to Stains and said corrective measures had been taken: "That should never have happened... On behalf of the election board, I apologize for that happening. That is a mistake," the Chair said. The Chair told the room disciplinary action and HR filings followed and that commissioners and the county solicitor would continue investigating the tally and the processes that produced differing totals.

Commissioners and staff outlined recurring administrative problems that increase the risk of errors: townships failing to return updated lists, staff turnover at the election office, mail-in and overseas ballots arriving late or noted as undeliverable, and inconsistent state guidance. The board said automatic recount rules apply to statewide races within a margin of 0.5 percent, but that local contests require a candidate or citizen to petition the court within five days for a recount.

The board said it is continuing a review with the county solicitor and plans further visits to the election office; no court-ordered recount or change of certification was recorded at the meeting.