Illinois Lawmaker Accused of Casting Ballot for Deceased Mother

A city lawmaker from Illinois, Sylvia Sims Bolton, faces felony charges for allegedly voting on behalf of her deceased mother. Bolton, representing Waukegan’s 1st Ward as a Democrat, appeared in Lake County Court to face accusations of election material mutilation, a felony charge, alongside a misdemeanor for disregarding election code.

The investigation into Bolton, aged 67, commenced in March after a vote-by-mail ballot linked to a deceased voter was flagged during the election review process by the clerk’s office. The ballot in question belonged to Bolton’s mother, Mary Sims, who passed away on January 12. Despite her death, a ballot was issued and mailed on February 5 by the Lake County Clerk’s Office.

Mary Sims’ voter registration was canceled in February after death notification, yet her completed ballot surfaced at the Clerk’s Office on February 26. According to Lake County Clerk, Anthony Vega, further inquiries revealed Bolton had filled and signed her mother’s ballot, conceding her mother’s inability to vote.

Bolton placed the ballot in an official drop box, as Vega noted. He emphasized the efficacy of the election system’s safeguards and verification procedures, which promptly identified and addressed the irregularity with law enforcement involvement. “Protecting the integrity of our elections remains our highest priority,” Vega stressed.

Vega clarified that Bolton’s alleged actions bore no connection to her official responsibilities. Charged on May 19, Bolton faces potential probation or imprisonment up to three years for the felony or one year for the misdemeanor. Attempts by the Chicago Tribune to contact her were unproductive. Released on her own recognizance, Bolton’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 2.

David Motley, Waukegan’s public relations director, offered no comments on the ongoing legal proceedings. Lake County State’s Attorney, Eric Rinehart, praised the clerk’s office as “well-funded and independent,” utilizing modern technology to address issues.

Rinehart stated to Fox News, “Clerk Vega and his team followed national best practices in order to detect and report this crime. We must say loudly to people that if you improperly vote for others, you will be caught, investigated, and prosecuted.”

No previous investigations concerning vote-by-mail fraud relating to deceased individuals were known to Lake County authorities. Studies by the Brennan Center for Justice suggest voter fraud occurrences are exceptionally rare, often stemming from either voter or administrative errors.