TODAY IS BALLOT DRAWING FOR NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION

For Immediate Release
August 10, 2015



Republicans have won the first spot roughly 90% of the time. According to the Asbury Park Press in 2012, statisticians say the probability of that happening purely by chance in a random drawing - which is the process required by state law - is less than one in 1.5 million.

FREEHOLD - Today in her capacity as County Clerk, prominent Monmouth County Republican Christine Hanlon will hold a drawing to determine the ballot position for the Democratic and Republican Party candidates in the upcoming November General Elections. This election will be held on November 3rd. Hanlon was Vice Chair of the County Republican Party until her appointment by Government Chris Christie earlier this year. After questions and criticisms about the process were raised in recent years, the Monmouth County Democratic Organization will be keeping a close watch as the positions are drawn.

During the ballot drawing, two capsules are used, one with the Democratic Party name and another with the Republican Party. The names are drawn from a box to determine where the parties will be placed on the ballot. To date, the Monmouth County Republicans have won the coveted first ballot position 31 of the last 35 general elections, roughly 90% of the time.

"We will have attorneys and supporters ready today to inspect the capsules and ensure that the ballot drawing today is fair," said Vin Gopal, Chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic Party. "Questions have been raised about the statistical probability that the same party win first ballot position so many years in a row," Gopal continued. "In the interest of upholding our democratic process, we will be keeping a close watch on the drawing."

In October of 2012, the Asbury Park Press reported on the County's ballot drawing process, noting that "the party has won the draw for the first ballot position in 30 of the last 33 general elections - statistically nearly impossible odds. Statisticians say the probability of that happening purely by chance in a random drawing - which is the process required by state law - is less than one in 1.5 million." The cover page story entitled "Are Monmouth County Republicans Cheating" raised red flags for county residents.

To read the Asbury Park Press Article, please click the following link http://archive.app.com/article/20121007/NJNEWS/310070041/Monmouth%20County%20ballots

"Rumors about questionable tactics have surrounded the ballot process. For instance, apparently refrigerating one of the capsules allows the clerk to choose the colder one and give preference to his or her own party. While it is my sincere hope that our new County Clerk will handle this process with professionalism and integrity, our attorneys will be watching closely - just to be sure."

Gopal indicated that the party will be prepared to file a complaint with the county prosecutors office if any inappropriate activity is suspected. It is imperative that the sanctity of the Democratic process is preserved and protected.

The ballot drawing will take place at 3:00pm at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold.

What Are The Statistical Chances...

... of the Monmouth County Republicans winning the coveted 1st position on the the General Election Ballot 30 of the last 33 years? A whopping 1.5 million to 1 according the an article published yesterday in the Asbury Park Press.

Are the Monmouth County Republicans cheating when it come to selecting ballot positions? County Clerk Claire French, who has been the Clerk for the past 15 years, says it's not so stating, “My special deputy follows the letter of the law, It’s a public process, it’s open to the public, and people always come to watch. I’ve never heard a complaint from any of the people who have viewed it.”. But, added, “Certainly we have been more fortunate in the drawings.”

Democrat Michael Steinhorn, who is seeking to unseat French in this years election, finds these results to be rather odd stating that French is, “either a magician or the luckiest person on earth, the results speak for themselves, it appears not to be fair.

Even if the clerk is the luckiest person on the planet, the people have to have faith in the system, if it appears to be unfair, can we have confidence in how the vote is counted?”

I have to agree with Mr. Steinhorn it does seem a little fishy. When you have a better chance at hitting the lottery or being struck by lightening, something is wrong.

It may be too late to do something about it this year, but I would suspect that there will be a few Democratic observers during next years ballot position selection regardless of who is elected County Clerk this November.