In Davenport, officials from Scott County conducted a public audit on Tuesday after voting machines in three precincts began issuing intermittent ballot reject codes. The audit, overseen by County Auditor Kerri Tompkins and staff from the Scott County Auditor’s office, was held at the county’s training center and was open for any interested citizen to observe.
Why the audit was needed
During the recent election, machines in three precincts displayed error codes that flagged certain ballots as rejected. While the codes did not prevent votes from being counted, the appearance of the codes raised questions among voters about the integrity of the process. Tompkins emphasized that the county’s priority is to maintain confidence in the election results.
What officials found
Auditors compared the number of voters who checked in at each precinct with the total number of ballots processed. “The numbers matched,” Tompkins said, confirming that the overall vote totals remain accurate. The audit team then ran the affected machines through a series of diagnostic checks to determine the cause of the error codes.
Auditors’ response and next steps
“I want people to know that we are following the code. We’re doing what we’re supposed to and I hope Scott County voters appreciate we’re taking this extra measure to make sure everything is good,” Tompkins told reporters. She added that the audit is a precautionary step, not an indication of widespread malfunction.
After the day‑long review, the auditors will compile a detailed report and submit it to the Scott County Board of Elections. The report will include any technical findings, recommended fixes for the machines, and a timeline for implementing those fixes. The county also plans to coordinate with the state’s election officials to ensure that any systemic issues are addressed before the next election cycle.
Public participation
The audit was open to the public, allowing residents to watch the process and ask questions. Several community members expressed appreciation for the transparency, noting that visible oversight helps reinforce trust in local elections.
“It’s reassuring to see our elected officials taking the time to double‑check the machines,” said local resident Maria Hernandez, who attended the audit. “We want to be sure every vote counts and that the system works as it should.”
Looking ahead
Scott County officials say they will continue to monitor the performance of voting equipment throughout the remainder of the election year. Any further anomalies will be investigated promptly, and the county will keep the public informed of any developments.
By taking swift action and offering full visibility into the audit, Scott County aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and reassure voters that their voices are heard and counted accurately.
Original reporting: KWQC TV6 Davenport (local) — read the source article.
