The OC District Attorney's office is looking into a reported violation of ballot secrecy law by defeated Garden Grove council candidate Robin Marcario.

There were two council seats up in Garden Grove, and the day after the election, Marcario held a narrow lead over Andrew Do for the second spot. But as the counting of absentee and provisional ballots continued in the following days, Do steadily ate into her lead and finally pulled ahead, ultimately winning by 1,169 votes.

On one of the days following the election, Marcario was at the Registrar of Voters, observing the counting of provisional ballots. As the day wore on, she grew increasingly emotional, which is understandable. At one point, Marcario apparently recognized the name on a provisionla ballot envelope and asked the ROV worker if she could see it (mind you, there are signs posted about making it very clear that is a no-no). The ROV worker told Marcario she was not allowed to even touch the ballot.

Marcario then (allegedly) grabbed the ballot envelope, immediately removed the ballot and exclaimed "I can't believe he/she voted for him!"

The ROV subsequently reported the incident to the District Attorney since Marcario's action was, you know, illegal.

I understand Ms. Marcario becoming emotional. She had campaigned very hard, and for a few days it seemed all that hard work was paying off with election to the Garden Grove City Council. Then she sees it slipping inexorably away with each passing day as more ballots are counted.

But if you can't control yourself, you shouldn't be in the room. that's what campaign attorneys or consultants are for.

I'll keep you posted as I learn more.