Butler County and its commissioners have gone above and beyond testing our election system.

The most recent test is the recount of three random precincts of different sizes in the county from the 2020 election.

The review began July 27 and was halted this week with the count complete in Butler City 4-1 and a Donegal Township precinct.

One discrepancy was found; a voter didn't properly fill one circle as instructed. A human reviewer noted the mark and counted it as an undervote. The scanners did not detect the vote.

The question now is whether to continue with this exercise and recount the Middlesex Township South precinct.

Wil White, county solicitor who is serving as its interim director of elections overseeing this review, told the Butler Eagle in Thursday’s edition that he will recommend ending the review now.

We agree with him.

Due diligence has been done. The votes were counted by hand by the election staff and a group of five to eight people who are county election judges, inspectors and others connected to the elections.

The ballots were run through scanners testing the results with the original count.

County resources have been expended. Those assisting with the recount who are not employed by the county are being paid $11 an hour for their work. Those employed by the county are leaving other tasks that need to be done to devote the time and their talents to this endeavor.

The recount has garnered important information. We now know if a hand count is required, the county would divide ballots into batches of 100 and it would take 50 to 80 minutes to review each batch. White estimates the staff could recount 500 to 600 votes a day, working at top efficiency.

Election support staff are not only very aware of what needs to be done to properly handle ballots during the election but also how their work ensures voter integrity. Reminding voters to properly fill in those ovals also is a must.

The more than 135,000 registered voters in Butler County can rest easy knowing that the county has reviewed the 2020 election process yet again and is better prepared for the quickly approaching 2022 general election.

White estimates continuing the recount of the 2,000 Middlesex ballots would take an additional four to five days. Time and talents, we think, could be better spent.

The commissioners have said they will assess the information at Wednesday's meeting. We hope they agree with White.

— DJS