Federal write-in ballots challenged in NoVa

The Virginia State Board of Elections said Saturday there is a problem with 100 federal write-in absentee ballots for the November election because the ballots lack necessary witness information.

The issue is expected to have limited or no impact on elections in Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County, according to election officials here.

Federal write-in absentee ballots are alternative ballots for overseas and uniformed services voters whose absentee ballots did not arrive in time.

State Board of Elections Spokeswoman Susan Pollard said the 100 ballots in the Northern Virginia area are under investigation by Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

Under state law, Pollard said, the ballots must be witnessed and also include a signature of the witness and the witness’ printed name and address.

She said the 100 ballots in question lack all the witness requirements of the state law.

She said McDonnell’s office is working to review both federal and state law and said the status of the 100 ballots is uncertain.

“We are also looking to see if this is occurring elsewhere in Virginia,” Pollard said of the witness information problem.

Pollard said the expert review of both federal and state law is needed because “we want to make every effort possible to see these votes counted.”

Waynesboro Registrar Mary Alice Downs said she had not received the state board of elections communication.

Downs said Waynesboro has only one federal write-in absentee ballot and said “it’s fine and will be counted.”

Staunton Registrar Amanda DiMeo said the handful of federal write-in absentee ballots there “are properly witnessed and would be counted.”

Augusta County Registrar Brandi Lilly said she was waiting to see what the State Board of Elections finds out. However, she said Augusta County “might have five” federal write-in absentee ballots.

“It’s not an issue. We will wait to see what the policy is from the state board of elections and proceed,” Lilly said.