In the November 2, 2006 election, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina had several very close results in both national and state races. Scrutiny of the vote totals has revealed an unexplained undervote: a significantly higher percentage of voters than in the past declined to vote for the most prominent races such as those for US House of Representatives. Never in past years had the Congressional races received fewer votes than downballot races such as for sheriff and county commissioner, but it happened in 2006. Mecklenburg County includes parts of three Congressional districts. ALL three districts had a significantly higher undervote in Mecklenburg than they did in other counties, and all three races had a significantly higher undervote than they did in past years for the same race.

For a look at the data, analysis, and an account of the problems that arose during the recount, please read on...