Grimes blames law for delay in certifying election results

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's elections chief said Thursday that a delay in certifying statewide primary election results showed a lack of oversight at the State Board of Elections, which she blamed on a new state law that removed much of her authority over the board.

The elections board on Tuesday held off the certification after Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes pointed to discrepancies in vote counts. The inconsistencies won't change any outcomes of last month's primary election. The board is scheduled to meet again Friday.

"Never before has the State Board of Elections convened and had a report set before it for certification that had errors — let alone 50-plus errors in 20-plus counties," Grimes said Thursday.

Grimes told reporters that the way the process evolved "should alarm every voter" in Kentucky, and she blamed the new law for weakening oversight of the elections board.

"Right now at the State Board of Elections, we have a ship without a captain," she said.

A group of county clerks pushed back immediately against the alarms sounded by Grimes.

Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins Jr., speaking for a half-dozen clerks who gathered outside Grimes' office at the statehouse, said it's typical to have discrepancies prior to certification of election results. He said the process is working because the errors are being corrected.

"What we're hearing is a non-issue that occurs every single election," Blevins told reporters.

Blevins said it became an issue this time because some "gamesmanship" is occurring.

"I want to reassure the public and say it's OK, nothing is wrong," he said.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, who led the push for the new law, said he has "complete faith" in the elections board to properly certify the election results.

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