Cobb County officials in Georgia declared Madelyn Orochena the winner of the Kennesaw City Council race before all votes were counted.
In a social media post, Orochena said the results were in and went on to announce her win for the Kennesaw City Council Special Post 1 seat. “Feeling excited and so grateful! It’s a win! See you Monday,” Orochena wrote.
However, officials said the uncounted votes on a memory card discovered on Wednesday have changed the outcome of the election held in Cobb County, Georgia. The results changed, with the projected winner being Lynette Burnette.
Cobb County Elections Director Janine Eveler said, “Unfortunately, once found, we did upload it, and it changed the outcome of the Kennesaw City Council race.”
Turn of Events in the Kennesaw City Council race
The memory card was found to contain 789 uncounted county ballots, which changed the outcome of the election in favor of Burnette. It was found that Burnette won over Orochena with a difference of 31 votes.
In a statement on social media, Orochena expressed her disappointment and frustration saying, “This is shameful.… And our faith in our governing bodies continues to fail.”
According to Cobb County election officials, election workers were ready for a risk-limiting audit when they discovered the memory card in the Kennesaw area. Election leaders said that the results associated with the card have long been sent to Georgia’s Secretary of State’s office.
Cobb County election officials said the results listed on the Secretary of State’s election page now reflect the accurate results.
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In a press release, election leaders apologized for the error they had committed. “We immensely regret this error, and following the upcoming runoff election, we will launch an investigation and review of procedures to ensure this never happens again.”
The election results will be re-certified.