I want to clear up some of the questions about the Nov. 4 general election counting of ballots.

No. 1, the 650 Optical Scan machine did not malfunction. The ovals on some of the Marble Hill precinct ballots were printed too dark, which caused a problem when the scanner tried to count the voted ballots.

There were 76 ballots that did not run through until the election night workers, one Democrat and one Republican, covered the blank dark ovals and left the voted ovals, so that the scanner could then count those votes. The 650 Optical Scan machine is one of the most accurate systems for counting voted ballots.

Some may remember the recount several years ago when in a primary election the presiding commissioner race was won by only one vote. Of course there was a recount ordered by the circuit judge, which was done by hand count and also running the ballots through the optical scan machine. The count came out the same by both methods, as on election night. I think for this reason alone the citizens of Bollinger County should have confidence that the system works and is as accurate as it can be.

As long as I have been in office, I have always thought that each election will run smoothly, but of course that is not always the case, but we have always resolved the problems as they occurred. I am confident that the Election Day polling place and election night workers, myself and my staff work hard to make sure each election is conducted with accuracy.

In closing, I would like to say that I love this county, and I am honored and happy to have been your county clerk 28 years.

Diane H. Holzum is the Bollinger County clerk.