Florida candidate says votes were removed without explanation after data error

A data entry error caused an incorrect vote total to briefly appear for Democratic challenger Nicole Locklin in Florida's 26th Congressional District race against Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, leading some outlets to show her ahead. The Associated Press confirmed the error and said it quickly corrected the total. Locklin told Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott that roughly 3,000 votes reported around 11:16 p.m. Tuesday were removed without explanation and that 1,800 votes in Broward County remain outstanding.¹

Locklin said she still wants a fuller explanation and that she needs to speak with Miami-Dade officials.¹

What Florida law says about the count

The county canvassing board, made up of the supervisor of elections, a county court judge and the chair of the county commission, counts mail ballots, rules on provisional ballots, certifies the county results and reports them to the state.² County canvassing boards must file official returns by noon on the 13th day after the election, November 16.³ The Elections Canvassing Commission, made up of the Governor and two Cabinet members the Governor selects, compiles the county results and certifies them.²