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Illinois Alderman Charged With Casting Mail Ballot For Deceased Mother
On May 27, 2026, Lake County authorities charged Waukegan 1st Ward alderperson Sylvia Sims Bolton after alleging she submitted a mail ballot cast for her deceased mother.[1]
Bolton, 67, was charged with one felony count of mutilation of election material and one misdemeanor count of disregarding the election code.[1] Officials said the completed ballot envelope was returned via a drop box on February 26, 2026.[1]
A mail ballot for Mary Sims was mailed February 5, 2026, and her voter registration was canceled February 12, 2026.[1] Election staff detected the irregularity during a review after the March 17 primary and referred the matter to law enforcement, which led to the criminal case.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 27, 2026, Lake County, Illinois, authorities announced charges against Waukegan 1st Ward alderperson Sylvia Sims Bolton.
- Bolton, 67, was charged with one felony count of mutilation of election material and one misdemeanor count of disregarding election code.
- A mail ballot for deceased voter Mary Sims was mailed February 5, 2026; her registration was canceled February 12, and a completed ballot envelope was returned via drop box February 26.
- Election staff detected the irregularity in a post–March 17, 2026 primary review and referred the matter to law enforcement, leading to the criminal case.
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May 27, 2026