(POLL) City May Split Cost of Fixing Ballot Error

The Pasadena Star-News reported the consultant who prepared the city's mail-in ballot with a major mistake in its Chinese-language instructions said the city should cover half the cost of correcting the error.

The mail-in ballots received by nearly 29,000 voters contained an error in its Chinese translation. Mandarin speakers were instructed to choose up to three candidates for just two open City Council seats. .

Ballots that have more than two candidates checked will automatically be voided.

According to the Star-News, the mistake could cost up to $10,000, as the city must now send out correction notices to every voter.

"We feel it should be a 50/50 split," Scott Martin, president and owner of Anaheim-based Martin and Chapman Co., told the Star-News. "We initiated it but they approved it. On our proof form, we emphasize to double check all spellings and translations."

A city election official signed a form stating that "Martin and Chapman Co. will not be responsible for any errors (including translations) found after the proofs are signed off."

Arcadia's Chief Deputy City Clerk Lisa Mussenden told the Star-News she approved the ballot but has yet to work out with the consultant who will ultimately cover the costs of the correction notices.