Mail In Ballots Envelopes Erroneously Labeled with Party Affiliation

October 6, 2020 – Madison County Board Member Chris Guy questioned the integrity of the counties’ absentee ballot program after becoming aware on Monday of a major mistake made by the election authority. County Clerk Debbie Ming-Mendoza made a questionable error by including the voter’s party affiliation on the certified postage label mailed to thousands of 2020 General Election absentee voters in Madison County, Illinois.

According to Madison County Board Member Chris Guy, “I am very disappointed with the fact that thousands of ballots with this mistake are already in circulation. No General Election ballot in Illinois should ever have a voter’s party affiliation printed on the certification envelope and return envelope that is mailed to and from the election authority. If it wasn’t for multiple voters coming forward on this ballot error, I’m not sure how soon it would have been fixed moving forward as it has been thirteen days since thousands of absentee ballots were mailed out.”

Since September 24th, over 32,000 absentee ballots have been requested in Madison County, Illinois. The number of ballots mailed which may include party affiliation is unknown at this time.

“Guy added, “I realize mistakes happen, I believe the County Clerk and her staff strive to do what is right. It’s just unfortunate the integrity of our election is now under question. I have spoken to Debbie Ming-Mendoza, she was very open and honest about the clerical error and is working diligently to remedy the situation. The plan is to mark out the party affiliation for all absentee ballots being returned. I appreciate her cooperation as this is very important because if we have any close election in our county this November, and I expect we will, the election will come down to absentee ballots. This is why it is so important that we have good election judges and poll watchers working for us in Madison County.”

“Since this morning (Tuesday, October 6), I have spoken to Debbie Ming-Mendoza, she was very open and honest about the clerical error and is working diligently to remedy the situation. The plan is to mark out the party affiliation for all absentee ballots being returned. I appreciate her cooperation as this is very important because if we have any close election in our county this November, and I expect we will, the election will come down to absentee ballots. This is why it is so important that we have good election judges and poll watchers working for us in Madison County.” said Chris Guy.

In an interview with Madison County Clerk Debbie Ming-Mendoza, Mendoza told the Times-Tribune party abbreviation “always has been on the outside envelope and mail back envelope, but not the ballot envelope and is unsure why it is suddenly a concern.” Voters who have received a mail in ballot with their party designation on it may black it out before mailing it back and mail-in ballots mailed in in the future will have the D or R blacked out.