Voter files complaint over primary ballot

MERCER, Pa. -- An anonymous Hermitage voter has filed a complaint claiming the paper ballot given in May's primary election already had one candidate's name inserted into the write-in portion.
Mercer County District Attorney James Epstein is investigating, and he met with all three county commissioners in a closed session Tuesday to brief them on the matter. Commissioners serve as the county elections board.
Epstein said the complaint was made Aug. 29 to Dr. Thomas Rookey, the county's director of elections and registration. Rookey took it to Judge Francis Fornelli of common pleas court, who in turn gave it to Epstein.
Epstein said the voter claimed the name had been written on the ballot by a person hired to work for the election and not by an employee of the county elections office.
The district attorney said he is investigating in order to determine whether a crime occurred, whether enough evidence exists to prosecute, whether anyone should be prosecuted, and what impact the incident had on the election.
Epstein would not speculate on why the voter waited until August to come forward with the complaint.