DOTHAN: 10:00 AM This morning Dothan City Clerk Wendy Shiver, with Dothan Police Chief Will Benny beside her, opened the provisional ballot boxes.
Alabama Law dictates the ballot goes into a sealed envelope, and that is placed in a sealed envelope, and a form accompanies in a sealed envelope. When the provisional ballots are opened each step has to be followed.
The Houston County Board of Registrars, not the City Clerk, decides which votes are to be counted. No race outcome was changed after the votes were opened. In D1 race Kevin Dorsey increased in votes but still not eneough to change the outcome. The School Board Chair, Julie Mullins-Turner and Wes Grant each tied 6 provisional votes so that is left unchanged.
Mrs. Shiver has attempted to contact the Alabama Secretary of State Office since Friday. This morning she arrived at work at 7 AM and has attempted to contact the Alabama Secretary of State without success. In District 2, Wiregrass Rec Center, the affaidavit envelope is empty. Ms. Shiver believes the affaidavit that is to be submitted to the Houston County Registrarer is in the envelope with the ballot. But by law Mrs. Shiver can not open the ballot because the affaidavit has to be sent to the Houston County Registrar first for approval.
In District 2 there are 19 provisional ballots, Depending on the vote count that could change the outcome of the District 2 race.
The City of Dothan legal department has examined this issue and guidance from the Alabama Secretary of State Office. But I guess he is to busy running for office to handle his office in this important issue.
