Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Officials say election results could be delayed due to several factors.
In a notice to candidates and parties, voter registrar Walt Latham explained that local election officials were recently asked by the Department of Elections to inform the public that results could be delayed this year as a result of several changes.
"First, the local/General Assembly election year that we have this year has the largest and most complicated ballot," Latham explains. "In addition, there are often write-ins for some of the races. This means it will take a longer time for the voting machine to produce tapes with numbers, collect the unofficial results from the precincts, and to input them into the state's election night reporting (ENR) system."
Latham says he doesn't expect machines used for in-person and by-mail absentee votes to begin producing tapes with results for at least 30- to- 45 minutes after the polls have closed.
"Accordingly, you're likely to see results from Election Day first," he says. "It will not be until much later that in-person or by-mail absentee votes will be posted."
Election night results are considered unofficial until they are certified by the local electoral board. General Assembly elections and those for Constitutional officials must be certified by the state electoral board.
Voter registrar says changes could affect processing times
