In Kansas, thousands (4,446 ) of ballots uncounted

[flashl]

By DAVID KLEPPER
The Star’s Topeka correspondent

TOPEKA | A mistake by Shawnee County election workers caused 4,446 ballots to go uncounted Tuesday night, though the glitch did not alter the outcome of any races.

When the votes were added to the tally in the Republican primary for the state’s 2nd Congressional District, Lynn Jenkins saw her victory margin over former U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun increase by nearly 400 votes.

Human error was to blame, according to Shawnee County Election Commissioner Elizabeth Ensley. She said the county — which includes the Topeka area — would take steps to prevent similar mistakes from occurring in future elections.

Candidates and party officials accepted the explanation.

edit: heading to change count