After the results of the Scottish independence referendum some John Brown faculty and staff are not convinced.
Over 90,000 Scotts have signed a petition calling for a recount of the Scottish vote, claiming foul play, but the response from JBU students and staff is overwhelmingly suspicious toward claims of conspiracy.
Various YouTube clips show alleged evidence of referendum foul play.
One such clip shows a woman putting ballots she originally placed in the “yes” pile into the “no” pile instead.
Another shows a table marked for “no” ballots covered in bundles of ballots; however, one ballot on the table is clearly marked “yes.” Such evidence has left many Scotts distrustful of authority.
With an incredible turnout of over 90% in some districts, Kevin Simpson, professor of psychology, said that it’s not surprising that the referendum represents a contentious issue.
Simpson is also doubtful that a recount would ever happen since the “no” side won by 10 percent, a win so large that it would require “pervasive and widespread cheating” to falsify.
Assistant professor of intercultural studies, Bill Stevenson, agrees.
He knows the Scottish people very well and as a member of the United Nations, has followed this issue for the past few years.
“I think it’s another example of sore losers,” Stevenson said.
“I have a high confidence in the Scottish people to be able to conduct a referendum ethically,” Stevenson said.
Emma Mutimer, a freshman from England, also found the video clips unpersuasive.
“For one video to look somewhat suspicious to one person, I think it’s probably not fair to see that as a representation of all the different counting,” said Mutimer.
Mutimer said, it’s fair enough to provide a recount and quell concerns, since the “no” side has nothing to lose if they have nothing to hide.
In the end she believed that if looked into, a reasonable explanation could be found for the suspicious actions in the clips.
In fact, investigations have been made and officials claim there’s nothing to worry about.
According to BBC a spokesman from the Electoral Management Board for Scotland responded to concerns.
“The chief counting officer is satisfied that all counts throughout Scotland were properly conducted and scrutinized by thousands of people representing both the “Yes Scotland” and the “Better Together” campaigns, as well as international election observers, media and police,” he said.
“None of these people raised any concerns during the verification, counting and adjudication stages.”
He also addressed different scenes from the video.
“Each of the episodes in the video can be easily explained,” he said.
Despite all the conspiracy drama, Mutimer is happy with the way the referendum turned out.
Mutimer said, “I like the Scottish, I would have been sad if they would have left.”