The Pima County Recorder’s Office has completed its investigation of the city of South Tucson after a voter alleged in a verbal complaint on Feb. 23 that ballots were improperly marked. The Pima County Attorney’s Office is investigating the allegations further.
A memorandum from Chief Deputy Recorder Christopher Roads to County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez said, “Overwhelmingly the voters reported that they did not receive assistance in marking or mailing their early ballots.”
South Tucson City Council candidate Paul Diaz filed the complaint, according to the memorandum.
“Mr. Diaz reported that he had received information of voting irregularities occurring at three addresses, one single family home and two public housing complexes,” Roads said to Rodriguez in the memorandum.
The public housing complexes are located at 420 E. 28th St. and at 411 E. 29th St.
According to Roads, Diaz stated that South Tucson city council candidate John Garcia, “had taken gifts of food and personal supplies to the residents and had collected their early ballots or provided assistance in marking their ballots.”
All of the early voters who were contacted at 420 E. 28th St. indicated that they had not been contacted by any candidate and were not given assistance, according to Roads. Some early voters at the 411 E. 29th St. location said that they had been contacted by Garcia to see if they needed help, according to the memorandum.
“None of the voters who reported that they had been contacted by Mr. Garcia reported any improper conduct in marking or handling of their early ballots,” Roads said.
In the memorandum, Angelita Lujan, a South Tucson voter, indicated that she received help on her ballot and was told which candidate to vote for.
“Ms. Lujan advised the team that she did not know anything about the South Tucson election issues or candidates and that she did not tell the person how to mark the ballot,” Roads said.
Lujan was given an opportunity to revote and denied knowing her ballot would be disqualified, Roads said.
Isabel Moreno is a resident in the single-family house and received help from Shirley Villegas, according to the memorandum. Moreno could not recall if she had received instructions about who to vote for from Villegas, and Moreno accepted a replacement ballot.
“While our review of this matter is completed, the county attorney’s office investigation is ongoing and we will continue to assist in their investigation as needed,” Roads said in the memorandum.
Amelia Craig Cramer, public information officer for the Pima County Attorney’s Office, said she was unable to comment because of the ongoing investigation.
Given that this pertains to elections, until any action is taken, their office will not comment.
Diaz and Garcia, along with Ildefonso A. Green, Miguel E. Rojas, Manuel Romero III and Mary H. Soltero, will participate in a runoff election for South Tucson City Council on May 17.
To vote, go to the Sam Lena-South Tucson Branch Library, the South Tucson Station Post Office or the South Tucson City Clerk.
The Pima County Recorder’s Office has completed its investigation of the city of South Tucson after a voter alleged in a verbal complaint on Feb. 23 that ballots were improperly marked. The Pima County Attorney’s Office is investigating the allegations further.
A memorandum from Chief Deputy Recorder Christopher Roads to County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez said, “Overwhelmingly the voters reported that they did not receive assistance in marking or mailing their early ballots.”
South Tucson City Council candidate Paul Diaz filed the complaint, according to the memorandum.
“Mr. Diaz reported that he had received information of voting irregularities occurring at three addresses, one single family home and two public housing complexes,” Roads said to Rodriguez in the memorandum.
The public housing complexes are located at 420 E. 28th St. and at 411 E. 29th St.
According to Roads, Diaz stated that South Tucson city council candidate John Garcia, “had taken gifts of food and personal supplies to the residents and had collected their early ballots or provided assistance in marking their ballots.”
All of the early voters who were contacted at 420 E. 28th St. indicated that they had not been contacted by any candidate and were not given assistance, according to Roads. Some early voters at the 411 E. 29th St. location said that they had been contacted by Garcia to see if they needed help, according to the memorandum.
“None of the voters who reported that they had been contacted by Mr. Garcia reported any improper conduct in marking or handling of their early ballots,” Roads said. In the memorandum, Angelita Lujan, a South Tucson voter, indicated that she received help on her ballot and was told which candidate to vote for.
“Ms. Lujan advised the team that she did not know anything about the South Tucson election issues or candidates and that she did not tell the person how to mark the ballot,” Roads said.
Lujan was given an opportunity to revote and denied knowing her ballot would be disqualified, Roads said. Isabel Moreno is a resident in the single-family house and received help from Shirley Villegas, according to the memorandum. Moreno could not recall if she had received instructions about who to vote for from Villegas, and Moreno accepted a replacement ballot.
“While our review of this matter is completed, the county attorney’s office investigation is ongoing and we will continue to assist in their investigation as needed,” Roads said in the memorandum.
Amelia Craig Cramer, public information officer for the Pima County Attorney’s Office, said she was unable to comment because of the ongoing investigation.
Given that this pertains to elections, until any action is taken, their office will not comment.
Diaz and Garcia, along with Ildefonso A. Green, Miguel E. Rojas, Manuel Romero III and Mary H. Soltero, will participate in a runoff election for South Tucson City Council on May 17.
To vote, go to the Sam Lena-South Tucson Branch Library, the South Tucson Station Post Office or the South Tucson City Clerk.
