Dear Editor:

For clarification purposes, please allow me to address a quotation in the article published on Thursday, March 18, 2010, titled Parker Awaits Board Decision. I was quoted as saying “It wouldn’t be enough to sway an election,” in reference to absentee ballot requests that have been received in our office.

The question was in reference to preparation of absentee ballots and whether the challenge to Michael Parker as a candidate for District Attorney had affected our ability to receive absentee ballots in a timely manner. I intended the answer to reflect the following statement: Absentee ballots should be received by Thursday. We do not have a large number of absentee ballot requests, mostly military, and that I did not believe that mailing these ballots on Thursday, instead of Monday, would affect the voter’s ability to receive them and mail them back in time to be counted.

Ordinarily, a variation in wording might not be viewed as important enough to issue a clarification, but in this case, we want to ensure that it is known that the Board of Elections believes first and foremost that every vote of eligible voters is counted and that we are all aware that one vote can make a difference. Further, in relation to mailing absentee ballots, our first priority is to those persons serving in the military.

Having said that, we appreciate the coverage we are afforded through our local newspaper and have for a long time enjoyed an amicable relationship with the reporters and staff.

Connie H. Kelly

Director of Elections