Sylvia Sims Bolton, an alderperson representing Waukegan’s 1st Ward, has been charged with one felony count of mutilation of election material and one misdemeanor count of disregarding election code. The charges stem from allegations that she submitted a mail-in ballot in her deceased mother’s name during the 2026 primary election in Illinois.
The investigation began after election officials flagged a vote-by-mail ballot associated with a deceased voter during a post-election review. A ballot for Mary Sims was mailed on February 5, 2026, the first day ballots could be sent for the General Primary Election. The cancellation of Mary Sims’ voter registration was processed on February 12 after officials received notification of her death.
The completed ballot envelope was returned through a secure drop box outside the Lake County Clerk’s Office on February 26. Following the March 17 primary election, election staff determined that the ballot had been returned after the recorded date of death of the voter.
Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega stated that the safeguards and verification procedures in place within the election system functioned as intended, allowing for the identification of the irregularity and coordination with law enforcement.
Investigators allege that Bolton filled out and submitted the ballot after her mother had died. Sheriff John D. Idleburg emphasized the collaboration between various agencies in safeguarding election integrity. Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart noted that any attempt at voter fraud undermines democracy and must be prosecuted.
The ballot in question was flagged, voided, and separated from valid ballots before it could be counted. Investigators found no evidence linking the allegations to Bolton’s duties as an alderperson, and she was not charged with official misconduct. Bolton surrendered to authorities and was expected to appear in court later.