An Illinois city lawmaker is facing a felony charge for allegedly casting a vote on behalf of her deceased mother. Alderperson Sylvia Sims Bolton, representing Waukegan’s 1st Ward as a Democrat, was present in Lake County Court following accusations of election material mutilation, classified as a felony, and neglecting election code, a misdemeanor.
The investigation into Bolton, 67, commenced in March. This followed the Lake County Clerk’s identification and flagging of a vote-by-mail ballot linked to a deceased voter during a post-election review.
A mail-in ballot for Bolton’s mother, Mary Sims, was issued on February 5, after her death on January 12. Although her voter registration was canceled in February, the completed ballot was returned on February 26, according to Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega.
According to investigators, Bolton completed her mother’s ballot and signed her name, fully aware of the impossibility of her mother voting in the election.
“Bolton then submitted the ballot to the Clerk’s Office drop box,” Vega stated.
Vega highlighted that the election system’s safeguards functioned correctly. Staff adhered to protocols, detected the issue promptly, and collaborated with law enforcement for a thorough investigation. Maintaining election integrity remains of utmost importance.
Authorities found no evidence connecting Bolton’s alleged actions to her official responsibilities.
Charged on May 19, Bolton risks probation, up to three years in prison for the felony, or one year in jail for the misdemeanor, if found guilty. Attempts to contact Bolton were unsuccessful late Friday. She was released on her own recognizance and scheduled to return to court on July 2, reported by the Chicago Tribune.
David Motley, Waukegan’s public relations director, withheld comments on the case’s progression, according to the newspaper.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart emphasized the valuable role of a “well-funded, independent” clerk’s office utilizing current technology. Rinehart applauded Clerk Vega’s team for applying national best practices to detect and report the crime.
Rinehart stated to Fox News, “We must warn citizens that voting for others unlawfully will lead to capture, investigation, and prosecution.”
Lake County authorities noted the absence of prior investigations regarding citizens using mail-in ballots for deceased individuals. The Brennan Center for Justice’s research indicates that voter fraud is extremely uncommon, predominantly due to voter or administrative mistakes.