Thread by @fchc_online

{THREAD} Today's #tbt comes from almost two years ago in Virginia's House District 94 -- a tale of an election, recounts, a tainted ballot and a random drawing which affected the shape of the VA legislature.

If anything -- the message is REGISTER AND VOTE!

(1/x)

VA's HD94 is located in Newport News and surrounding areas. Delegate David Yancey has held the seat since 2012 and is in his 4th term. He was challenged in 2013 by Democrat Robert Farinholt, Jr. in a close race with a difference of only about 500 votes. (2/x)

In 2015, School Board member @shelly_simonds came to the table as the Democratic contender. She had been a teacher and an environmental activist and sought to prioritize education, the environment, healthcare, criminal justice reform & protecting women's reproductive rights.(3/x)

Election Day 2015 came and... Simonds lost to incumbent Yancey. By a margin of about 2,000 votes.

It's worth noticing, however, that the number of voters casting ballots in the 94th shrunk considerably. In 2013 it was about 21,000 -- but in 2015 it was only 14,000.
(4/x)

Simonds didn't seek the Democratic candidacy in 2017. At least not at first. Zack Wittkamp won the Democratic primary uncontested. But he decided to drop out of the race in August of 2017. A new candidate was being sought out to come in late in the game. (5/x)

By this time, Incumbent David Yancey was far ahead with fundraising and campaigning. Whoever would enter the race in August would have a lot of catching up to do. But Shelly Simonds decided to run -- among many other women statewide that year to flip the VA House. (6/x)

... and catch up she did! The campaigning to get out the vote brought the number of voters in November 2017 back up-- increasing the number by about 10,000 to 24,000!

And the election against David Yancey? SImonds came out of it behind -- but only by 10 votes.

(7/x)

Simonds requested a recount. At this time the other races had been decided -- the Democrats had 49 seats and the Republicans had 50. This was an election that could change the balance in the House.

The recount put Simonds ahead.

By 1 vote. Prompting Yancey to concede

(8/x)

In an election, there may be some disqualifying ballots -- like where both candidates names are selected. Or neither. And there were a few of those here. One, however, caught the attention of the three judge panel. Both Yancey and Simonds had marks next to their names.

(9/x)

It had already been disqualified. But the panel of judges (all appointed by Republican leaders) decided to put the ballot back in play stating that everyone else selected was a Republican, so chances are their intent was to strike through Simonds' bubble to say "not her." (10/x)

With this new vote -- the totals were now:

Simonds (D) - 11,608
Yancey (R) (Incumbent) - 11,608.

Simonds petitioned the judges to reconsider not using this ballot (that had initially been disqualified). They said no.

(11/x)

Yancey rescinded his concession. The decision would now be decided on a virtual coin flip -- both candidates names would be on slips of paper in a bowl, and a member of the Virginia Board of Elections would select one at random. And that would be the winner of the seat. (12/x)

...and the slip of paper drawn had David Yancey's name on it. The incumbent got to keep his seat ensuring a 51-49 split in the House in favor of Republicans: the party which has had control of both the House and Senate and has passed laws to obstruct access to healthcare. (13/x)

A few takeaways on this:

(a) Elections can get very, very close in Virginia. #RegisterToVote
(b) When they get close -- some folks will do whatever it takes to seize power. Like qualifying a previously disqualified ballot. #RegisterToVote

(14/x)

(c) We CANNOT leave crucial issues to chance -- issues which affect reproductive freedom or bodily autonomy. We need a definitive victory if we want change for the better. #RegisterToVote
(d) Even if you are #RegisteredToVote -- check again to be sure.
(e) BE SURE TO VOTE

(15/x)

The DEADLINE to register to vote in Virginia is October 15. Make sure you're registered by going here: iwillvote.com . Tell your friends. Tell your family.

There is a lot at stake -- Virginia's House and Senate are up for grabs.

Let's not make it close. (16/x)

... and if you live in HD94 in Newport News? @shelly_simonds is running again. Be sure to support her and let people know how she'll be a voice looking out for us and protecting our rights! simondsfordelegate.com
(17/17)

@shelly_simonds @threadreaderapp unroll