County Auditor-Treasurer explains error in state voter registration system, candidate responds

(updated 6/21/24)

An error from the 2022 redistricting in Cook County was brought to light earlier this week. The routine adjustment of voter districts based on the most recent census resulted in a discrepancy between the county map and the addresses entered into the state system drawing the line between Districts 1 and 4 in Cook County.

On Jun. 17, the county issued a press release acknowledging the mistake. According to the press release, the issue was flagged by a resident when their neighbor filed for candidacy for the District 4 County Commissioner seat earlier this month. This led the county to review the area in question, and determine that the candidate lived in District 1. On the county map, District 1 included that address, but when using the state voter registration system, that address, as well as several other on the same road, appeared as District 4.

The county reported that 23 individuals were impacted by the discrepancy. Those voters were incorrectly sent District 4 mail ballots during the elections that have taken place since the new district maps were passed. The mistake also led to a candidate filing for the District 4 commissioner seat based on what appeared in the state voter registration system, unknowingly filing outside of her district of residence.

In a presentation to the Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole, County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers explained how redistricting works, and where the mistake happened. He told the board that they have not yet determined a reason for the error, but they do know at what step in the process it occurred. He also said that, after being made aware of the issue, his office, which includes Courtnee Bernier, county elections director, acted fast to correct the state record. They also received advise from the Minnesota Secretary of State on how to proceed.

Because the withdrawal period for candidate filing has passed, Arvis Thompson, the candidate in question will need to request to the county attorney that they be disqualified, if she does not want to be included on the ballot in November. Technically, there is no problem with candidates filing outside their district of residence, however, the state law stipulates that they must be a resident of the district they are running to represent for the 30 days prior to the election. This allows candidates who are planning to move before an election to file in their future district. However, if a candidate does not move by that time, they are disqualified. Powers stated that he does not know what Thompson plans to do.

In a statement to WTIP, Thompson wrote, “I’ve had great support from Dist. 4 to continue to try and keep me on the ballot, for which I’m very grateful.  I’m giving myself until Friday June 21 to make a decision.  I will contact County Attorney on Monday the 24th.” She expressed that she is angry and disappointed with the county board, as well as the way the county has presented the mistake. She wrote, “I was honest in my filing.  The county board is dishonest, they have given the impression “someone” else is responsible.”

If Thompson is declared ineligible by the court, a special filing window will open, allowing another opportunity for interested parties to declare their candidacy. If it is close enough to the election that mail ballots may have already be printed, Powers speculated to the Committee of the Whole that it may result in a special election.

The District 1 seat is not up for reelection this year, but when asked whether she would consider running for that seat when it does come up, Thompson wrote, “My “new” commisioner (sic), Deb White is doing a great job representing the district.  I will give her any help I can. I don’t have any plan to run in the future.” She said that she is otherwise still involved in several other community groups and leadership roles, and encourages other residents to stay updated on local government decisions, and to take an active part in shaping the county’s future.

Powers included in his statements to the board that his office did a thorough review of the entire county to ensure that there were no other discrepancies between the county maps and the state voter registration system. All 23 residents have been contacted by mail to notify them of the error, and clarify their voter district. Additionally, he said that his office reviewed the results of all of the elections that have taken place since the 2022 redistricting, and they found that the 23 votes being recorded in the wrong district would not have impacted the outcomes of any of those elections.

County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers gave a presentation to the Board of Commissioners at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Jun. 18 to explain the error, how it was resolved, and what the options are for moving forward. Full audio of that portion of the meeting is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski June 20, 2024