Peoria County auditor files lawsuit against Election Commission

PEORIA (25 News Now) - Local community advocate Karrie Alms and Peoria’s current auditor Jessica Thomas have filed a lawsuit against the Peoria County Election Commission due to a referendum they believe is unfair.

“Even if you’re for getting rid of the auditor, you should vote no on this because we’re protecting election integrity,” Alms said during a press conference on Wednesday.

The referendum allows voters to choose whether the county will continue to have an internal auditor, but the lawsuit cites three reasons why the question shouldn’t be on the ballot.

Documents show two versions of the question; one filed four days after the other and four days after the election commission’s deadline.

Alms said the referendum was late and should not be on the ballot.

“No matter whether you agree with what the petition is some mistake was made, the wrong document was filed by the time it was due,” Alms said.

Alms also claimed the question was biased because it included the amount of money Peoria County voters would save.

And lastly, the lawsuit said that if the updated referendum is allowed, then the original should be on the ballot also and that could create confusion for the voter.

“We’re hoping that the injunction will be granted and they have to reprint the ballots or whatever the restitution is,” Alms said.

We reached out to the Peoria Election Commission. They declined comment.

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