Question

The losing candidate in a mayoral election received 10,200 votes, which represented 30% of all votes cast in the election.

Answer 1

well, in the election, the losing candidate received 10200 votes, and we know that's 30% of the whole votes cast, le's say the whole amount is "x" or namely 100%.

B)

$\bf \begin{array}{ccll} amount&\%\\ \cline{1-2} 10200&30\\ x&100 \end{array}\implies \cfrac{10200}{x}=\cfrac{30}{100}\implies \cfrac{10200}{x}=\cfrac{3}{10} \\\\\\ 102000=3x\implies \cfrac{102000}{3}=x\implies 34000=x$

A)

Dorian's 3060 is really 30% of 10200, however, the losing candidate received 30% of the total votes cast, and that is 10200, so Dorian mistakenly is using 30% of the 30% received by the losing candidate as point of reference for her total.