Republican clerk pushes back on GOP chair’s ‘categorically false’ claim

The City Clerk of Rochester Hills, Mich., Tina Barton, shot back at GOP Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel on Friday, refuting claims that 2,000 ballots previously marked for Republicans were given to Democrats.

“The accusation that 2,000 ballots were found is categorically false. As a Republican, I am disturbed that this is intentionally being mischaracterized to undermine the election process,” Barton said in a video posted to Twitter. “This was an isolated mistake that was quickly rectified once realized.”

As the City Clerk of the City of Rochester Hills, this is my response to the inaccurate statement of @GOPChairwoman. https://t.co/TdxyIvEZ2J pic.twitter.com/t5C1VvGR01

— Tina Barton (@TLBsStory) November 7, 2020

Barton continued by voicing her confidence in the current ballot count in her state.

“Every voter should have complete confidence in our voting system. Every vote that was cast was counted accurately and there is a paper ballot back up. I stand by our reported results.”

Barton’s comments followed reports that McDaniel said 2,000 ballots in Rochester Hills were given to Democrats.

“Just last night in Oakland County, we found 2,000 ballots that had been given to Democrats, that were Republican ballots, due to a clerical error. And this took place in Rochester Hills,” McDaniel is quoted saying, according to Bridge Michigan reporter Johnathan Oosting.

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel: “Just last night in Oakland County, we found 2,000 ballots that had been given to Democrats, that were Republican ballots, due to a clerical error. And this took place in Rochester Hills.” 1/2

— Jonathan Oosting (@jonathanoosting) November 6, 2020

The Hill has reached out to the RNC for comment.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was the projected winner in the battleground of Michigan on Wednesday, securing 16 electoral votes.