On election night in Suffolk, Virginia, a clerical error caused the vote total for candidate Tyron Riddick to be listed as one vote while the write‑in total was recorded as 117 votes at the Mack Benn Jr. precinct. The mistake was identified during the state’s canvass process and corrected before the results become official.
How the error occurred
Virginia Commissioner of Elections Steve Koski explained that the state’s change log shows the write‑in total was initially entered as 117 votes, and Riddick’s total was entered as a single vote. The error happened when the precinct’s results were entered into the reporting system, not with the actual ballots.
According to Koski, poll workers on election night printed a tape showing the precinct’s results and completed a statement of results, which were then forwarded to the General Registrar. During the subsequent canvass, the local Electoral Board compares those numbers with the printed tape and the statement of results. In this case, the discrepancy was introduced during data entry.
Immediate corrective action
Cameron Butler, Suffolk’s General Registrar and Director of Elections, emphasized the office’s commitment to accuracy and transparency. “Accuracy and transparency in election reporting are of the utmost importance to our office. We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the accurate reporting of results throughout the ongoing election canvass process,” Butler said.
Officials said they took immediate steps to correct the numbers after discovering the discrepancy and are now reviewing all Election Day tapes to verify that results from every precinct were reported accurately. Any additional corrections will be made before the city’s Electoral Board certifies the results.
What this means for Suffolk voters
The corrected figures do not affect the overall outcome of the race, but the incident underscores the importance of the canvass and certification process. The Virginia Department of Elections notes that election night results are unofficial until local Electoral Boards complete certification.
Suffolk’s Electoral Board expects to certify the city’s results by November 14. Until then, all vote totals remain subject to verification and possible adjustment.
Broader context
Election officials across Virginia are conducting similar reviews of precinct tapes to ensure the integrity of the 2026 midterm election results. While isolated reporting errors can occur, the state’s multi‑step verification process is designed to catch and correct them before final certification.
Voters are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to trust that the canvass process provides a reliable safeguard against inaccuracies.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
