Defendants File Answers to Alleged Voter Fraud

Linda Mock Keller, in her capacity as Election Superintendent of Monticello, and Carole Norris, in her capacity as Registrar, have field an answer to Mollie S. Pompey who filed a petition to contest the recent city of Monticello election.

In her petition, Mrs. Pompey alleged several individuals were denied the right to vote. In their answer, Mmes. Mock-Keller and Norris, who are represented by Joe Reitman, cited law saying that elections cannot be overturned on the basis of mere speculation or an appearance of impropriety in the election procedures. They ask that Mrs. Pompey’s case be dismissed.

{{more}}

Mrs. Pompey also named Bobby Jacobs in her complaint. Mr. Jacobs is represented by W. Dan Roberts.

Mrs. Pompey lost the election for Monticello Mayor Pro-tem, 263-260. She then filed a petition citing individuals who were allegedly not allowed to vote when presenting themselves at the polls.

Mr. Jacobs is included in the petition as he was Mrs. Pompey’s opponent.

Mr. Roberts cited law that says election returns carry a presumption of validity, and in the absence of proof to the contrary, elections held under legally constituted authority are presumed to be regular and valid.

A special sitting for a judge has been ordered, and Judge McConnell will hear arguments in the case, according to Dan Jordan, Clerk of Courts for Jasper County. The date for that hearing had not been set as of press time this week.

Monticello elected officials will be sworn in next Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, per the city charter, said Bob Schwartz, city manager. At that time, Mr. Jacobs will take office as Mayor Pro-tem and serve until such time the election results are overturned or his term is up.