(SPRINGFIELD) - The Illinois Republican Party is calling on the Jersey County, Illinois, State's Attorney's office to immediately investigate possible voting-related problems that have come to light in the final days before the November 2 elections.
Approximately 1,800 registered voter cards have been returned to the Post Office in Jerseyville because the voters no longer live at the respective addresses on record with the Jersey County Clerk's office. However, County Clerk Stephen Pohlman has refused to retrieve the cards, which are needed to ensure the accuracy of his voter lists.
"As we rapidly approach Election Day, lists of registered voters going out to the polling places will contain hundreds of names of ineligible voters, opening the potential for massive confusion on Election Day in Jersey County," said Brien Sheahan, General Counsel for the Party.
The second concern the Party raised has to do with possible electioneering on the part of State Senator Deanna Demuzio, who is running for re-election. On October 15, voters were allowed to enter and cast early ballots even though the County Clerk's office was closed and no election judges were present. As they were voting, Senator Demuzio entered and spoke and shook hands with voters.
"We are very concerned regarding both the electioneering and, even more significantly, the potential for voter fraud," Sheahan wrote in his letter to Jersey County State's Attorney Benjamin Goetten.
Sheahan says further legal action may be considered if Goetten's office refuses to investigate these concerns.
