Detroit election workers faced delays in reporting unofficial election results after the state primary due to a faulty firewall that prevented local clerks from electronically submitting their results. As a result, the tallies had to be physically transported to downtown Detroit, causing a delay in posting online results. This raised concerns about the potential for conspiracy theories to spread and frustration over the lack of prompt results, particularly in a swing state like Michigan.
Daniel Baxter from the Detroit City Clerk’s office stated that without the technical issue, most results would have been ready around 11 p.m., but instead, they were posted after midnight. The counting of approximately 10,000 mail ballots dropped off on Election Day took until 6 a.m. the next morning to process, contributing to the delays.
While the delays may have created opportunities for misinformation, state and local officials emphasized the importance of accuracy in election results. They stressed the need to rely on official sources for information and highlighted the state’s robust security processes to ensure accurate outcomes.
Despite the challenges, election workers are committed to improving the process while maintaining accuracy. They aim to address concerns about misinformation and disinformation that may arise during delays, acknowledging that some individuals may continue to spread false narratives regardless of the efforts to provide accurate information.
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