What do Americans think about fraud and manipulation in the electoral process?

I live in a manufacturing community hit hard by job loss and the recession. Our school levy was defeated three times and the fourth was a tie which results in a loss. Some of us knew that there was going to be something pulled by the influential businesses, people of the community, and the school board to effect a change in the outcome. And sure enough after the votes had been counted and recounted and certified as a tie which means a loss, and this was already put in the local paper and media as such. While a staff member(unnamed) just happened to be sorting through paperwork(after the vote was finalized and reconciled) a magical yes vote appeared and now they are making it official again but this time it ped. I personally don't care about the levy ping or being defeated, it is the invalidation of the democratic electoral process that pisses me off. America is supposed to be a democracy in which the will of the people govern, but by cheating the electoral process it invalidates our whole system of government. Why should anyone vote if the outcome can be changed by influential or wealthy individuals? I can only hope that the individuals responsible for this illegal and immoral act are held accountable both financially and criminally.