SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Elections Canvassing Boards across Central Florida have been meeting over the last several days to take a hard look at ballots that have already come in.
For the first time ever in Seminole County, the meeting will be broadcast live on county television so anyone with any interest — or concerns — can watch the canvassing process in real-time.
“The Seminole County Canvassing Board is responsible for overseeing various aspects of the election process, including the review of vote-by-mail ballots, provisional ballots, and the certification of election results,” Chris Patton, Seminole County government director of communications, said. “By broadcasting these meetings live, SGTV aims to give residents a clearer understanding of the processes that uphold the integrity of Seminole County elections.
Seminole County’s Elections Canvassing Board consists of five members — three primary and two alternates. Primary members include Judge Carsandra Buie, Seminole County Commission Chair Jay Zembower, and James Hartmann.
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Zembower pushed for the live broadcast on Seminole County Government TV to combat election “mistrust.”
“This will allow residents to observe the critical work done by the Board to ensure the integrity and accuracy of our local elections,” Zembower said. “We encourage all residents to tune in and witness firsthand the meticulous efforts that go into ensuring every vote is counted accurately.”
In July, several voters received a second ballot. Seminole County Elections Supervisor Chris Anderson said the second ballot was mailed out after a printing error on the first. Only three voters were affected, according to Anderson.
Anderson’s office also said rumors have been circulating claiming elections workers were writing a “D” or “R” on certain ballots. Anderson said the rumors are categorically false.
Anderson said the live Canvassing Board broadcast will show voters the election is secure.
“I think they’re going to get some clarity,” Anderson said. “They’ll be able to see this is an open process, which will hopefully cause them to see it in their entirety. And it will hopefully create questions, which I look forward to answering.”
The live broadcast begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday here and here.
Anderson said voters are also welcome to observe the Canvassing Board in person at the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office in Sanford. All Canvassing Board meetings are open to the public.
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