Hundreds of uncounted “Mushroom Votes” were recently found by New York City Board of Elections | Democracy, elections, and voting at Democracy Chronicles

New York City Board of Elections members have discovered hundreds of uncounted ballots from the 2012 elections. As a result, the city’s election results will have to be updated. Known as “mushroom” ballots for the manner in which they spring from the darkness after an election, approximately 400 of these ballots were cast by registered Manhattanites. 40 or 50 additional votes were found in an office drawer, while the remainder came from outside counties.

Members of the BOE (Board of Elections) are quick to reassure the public that the number of votes found is not significant enough to alter election results. The Daily News reports:

The November election — which some called nothing short of chaotic — also marked the first presidential cycle in which the city deployed its new electronic ballot scanners instead of the old lever machines. The Board commissioners on Tuesday also voted to stick with the ballot scanners in the event of a runoff made necessary by a tight primary finish. Several officials called the choice the best option in a tough situation.