Osage County Proves Hand Counting Success

The Myth: Osage County’s Hand Count Failed

A May 2023 opinion piece by Osage County’s former Clerk claimed the April 2023 election showed Osage County hand counting failed, alleging inefficiency and high costs. Published in the Unterrified Democrat’s “Mailbag,” this unverified piece — lacking fact-checking — was emailed to clerks nationwide, suggesting an agenda to discredit hand counting.

Finding: Osage County Election Was a Success

The Truth About Osage County Hand Counting

Osage County hand counting was a success, saving $16,000, as confirmed by a county commissioner, despite the clerk’s unverified cost claims. Westphalia’s team counted 481 ballots in 5 hours, delivering same-day results. Judges called it “fun” and efficient, with built-in checks ensuring accuracy.

Post-election, the clerk and former SOS unsealed ballots, ran them through tabulators, and re-hand-counted them, finding no inaccuracies. A sheriff’s investigation identified administrative violations in these post-election actions, not the hand count, raising questions about the opinion piece’s motive. My rebuttal at provides evidence of Osage hand counting success.

Demand Transparency in Election Claims

Challenge objections: ask if the clerk’s assertions were fact-checked. My rebuttal at ReturntoHandCounting.com/ShowMeMore provides evidence of Osage’s success, countering the apparent efforts to protect machine-based systems.

Action for Elected Officials

Osage County proves hand counting works — don’t let myths derail it. Support hand counting for transparent, cost-effective elections.

Read the full content at Finding: Osage County Election Proves Success of Hand Counting Method