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Sylvia Sims Bolton, an alderperson representing Waukegan’s 1st Ward, has been charged after authorities alleged she submitted a mail-in ballot in her deceased mother’s name during Illinois’ 2026 primary election.
Bolton, 67, was charged with one felony count of mutilation of election material and one misdemeanor count of disregarding election code, according to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the investigation began after election officials flagged a vote-by-mail ballot connected to a deceased voter during a post-election review process.
According to officials, a vote-by-mail ballot for Mary Sims was mailed Feb. 5, the first day ballots could legally be sent for the 2026 General Primary Election.
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Waukegan alderperson Sylvia Sims Bolton was charged after authorities alleged she submitted a vote-by-mail ballot in her deceased mother’s name during Illinois’ 2026 primary election. (City of Waukegan)
Election officials later processed the cancellation of Mary Sims’ voter registration on Feb. 12 after receiving notification of her death through the Illinois State Board of Elections voter registration system, according to authorities.
Officials said the completed ballot envelope was returned through a secure drop box outside the Lake County Clerk’s Office on Feb. 26.
During a review conducted after the March 17 primary election, election staff determined the ballot had been returned after the voter’s recorded date of death, authorities said.
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“The safeguards and verification procedures in place within our election system worked exactly as intended,” Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said in a statement. “Our staff followed established protocols, identified the irregularity, and immediately coordinated with law enforcement to ensure this matter is thoroughly investigated. Protecting the integrity of our elections remains our highest priority.”
Investigators alleged Bolton received the ballot after her mother had already died, filled it out, signed her mother’s name and submitted it through an official ballot drop box.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said the case demonstrated cooperation between multiple agencies.
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“Safeguarding the integrity of our elections is something the public rightfully expects from all of us in government,” Idleburg said in a statement. “This case is an example of the strong collaboration between the Lake County Clerk’s Office, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office to thoroughly review allegations, follow the facts, and ensure our election laws are upheld fairly and impartially.”
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart also praised the investigation.
“While Lake County’s internal protocols and automated systems are effective, any attempt at voter fraud undermines democracy and must be prosecuted,” Rinehart said in a statement.
Authorities said the ballot was flagged, voided and separated from valid ballots before it could be counted.
Officials also said investigators did not uncover evidence linking the allegations to Bolton’s duties as an alderperson, and she was not charged with official misconduct.
Bolton surrendered to authorities Wednesday morning and was expected to appear in court later in the day.
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Authorities said they were unaware of any prior Lake County investigations involving someone allegedly voting on behalf of a deceased person through the vote-by-mail system.
Digital reached out to Sylvia Sims Bolton, the City of Waukegan, the Lake County State’s Attorney Office and the Lake County Clerk’s Office for comment.
