Dem County Clerk Lets Voter Cast Ballot After-Hours, Democrat Legislator Electioneers in Polling Place
by Publius
From Illinois Review:
A Jersey County resident that went into vote early Friday afternoon October 15th told Illinois Review Tuesday she was uncomfortable the only two adults in the Jersey County Administrative Building polling place were Jersey County Clerk Steve Pohlmann and State Senator Deanna Demuzio, a Democrat incumbent from Carlinville.
“A woman came from behind the counter and introduced herself as Deanna Demuzio, and then left the building,” the voter said. “The only other person there at the time was a man with a child. I found out later it was Steve Pohlmann.” No other staffers or election judges were in the office facilitating early voting.
Pohlmann explained to Illinois Review that his staff had been released at noon that day, but that he had gone into the office for a brief meeting and Senator DeMuzio dropped in to pick up poll watching credentials for next Tuesday’s election. Shortly thereafter, the voter dropped in, and although the office was officially closed, Pohlmann allowed her to vote.
“Anyone of the candidates could have dropped in at any given time, and as county clerk, it’s my duty to serve the people of the county,” Pohlmann, a Democrat elected to the office four years ago, said.
Demuzio’s presence shouldn’t cause concern, her campaign staffer Lobue told Illinois Review.
“Accusations of electioneering are unfounded,” Lobue said. “Candidates can’t control staffing at early voting locations. Senator Demuzio stopped by to pick up poll watching credentials and to check on absentee voter information, something any candidate can ask for. It’s unfortunate that the voter felt uncomfortable, but no electioneering was taking place.”
“She simply identified herself as Deanna Demuzio when she came from behind the counter,” the voter told Illinois Review. “I recognized her name, and was surprised when she left the building quickly.”
The local Republican Party under the direction of Floyd Alexander is working with legal counsel to pursue a formal complaint with the Illinois State Board of Elections and intends to pursue this to the full extent of the law.
“It is unknown at this time if any fraudulent ballots were cast or if any tampering of ballot machines occurred,” a statement from the Jersey County GOP organization said.
A Jersey County resident that went into vote early Friday afternoon October 15th told Illinois Review Tuesday she was uncomfortable the only two adults in the Jersey County Administrative Building polling place were Jersey County Clerk Steve Pohlmann and State Senator Deanna Demuzio, a Democrat incumbent from Carlinville.
“A woman came from behind the counter and introduced herself as Deanna Demuzio, and then left the building,” the voter said. “The only other person there at the time was a man with a child. I found out later it was Steve Pohlmann.” No other staffers or election judges were in the office facilitating early voting.
Pohlmann explained to Illinois Review that his staff had been released at noon that day, but that he had gone into the office for a brief meeting and Senator DeMuzio dropped in to pick up poll watching credentials for next Tuesday’s election. Shortly thereafter, the voter dropped in, and although the office was officially closed, Pohlmann allowed her to vote.
“Anyone of the candidates could have dropped in at any given time, and as county clerk, it’s my duty to serve the people of the county,” Pohlmann, a Democrat elected to the office four years ago, said.
Demuzio’s presence shouldn’t cause concern, her campaign staffer Lobue told Illinois Review.
“Accusations of electioneering are unfounded,” Lobue said. “Candidates can’t control staffing at early voting locations. Senator Demuzio stopped by to pick up poll watching credentials and to check on absentee voter information, something any candidate can ask for. It’s unfortunate that the voter felt uncomfortable, but no electioneering was taking place.”
“She simply identified herself as Deanna Demuzio when she came from behind the counter,” the voter told Illinois Review. “I recognized her name, and was surprised when she left the building quickly.”
The local Republican Party under the direction of Floyd Alexander is working with legal counsel to pursue a formal complaint with the Illinois State Board of Elections and intends to pursue this to the full extent of the law.
“It is unknown at this time if any fraudulent ballots were cast or if any tampering of ballot machines occurred,” a statement from the Jersey County GOP organization said.
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