Trump claims election 'rigged' after Ohio ballot blunder

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — President Donald Trump claimed “A Rigged Election” on Twitter after learning about the mistake in Ohio's Franklin County that led to nearly 50,000 absentee ballots to be sent to the wrong voters.

The board of elections and Ohio Secretary of State countered that claim, saying the election is being run in a bipartisan manner and will be fair and accurate.

The comment from the president came hours after the board of elections released the number of incorrect absentee ballots sent out. More than 49,000 ballots, or 21%, were mailed to the wrong voter.

The board said its primary goal now is to get those voters new ballots and get those ballots in the mail within 72 hours.

"Mr. President, it certainly was a serious mistake, but a serious mistake that we’re working hard to make right. Our board is bipartisan and our elections are fair. And every vote will be counted," the board said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the board said a machine that sorts and stuffs absentee ballots into envelopes had a function disabled which led to the mix-up. Voters said they got ballots with candidates and issues from other parts of Franklin County. A spokesman for the board said the voters have been identified, will get a postcard with notification, and will get a new ballot.

In the meantime, lines stretched all the way around the board of elections building on Morse Road as voters lined up for the fourth day of in-person absentee voting.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose countered claims of a rigged election.

"The Franklin County Board of Elections made a serious mistake and they’ve been working hard to correct it," Larose said. "At the same time, it’s so important to remember that Ohio has bipartisan boards of elections for a reason – to ensure our elections are fair and no Party has sway over the other. Protections are in place to ensure only one ballot is counted for each voter. I’m confident that the Franklin County Board will be transparent in explaining those processes. The bottom line is this: Ohioans can be assured – we will have a safe, secure, and accurate election."