BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – WVVA is continuing its coverage of a political controversy in Mingo County. Mercer County candidate Jeff Disibbio was reportedly left off of nearly 700 early voting ballots in West Virginia’s race for the 6th senate district.
“Without being able to have all names on the ballot it denies not just me a seat but quite frankly it denies people the opportunity to vote for who they want to,” said Disibbio.
A representative from the West Virginia Secretary of State‘s Office tells WVVA the issue was reported on Monday but has since been resolved. We’re told Mingo County leaders are working on a solution meant to address the incorrect ballots.
An officials from the secretary of state‘s office says the Mingo County clerk made a mistake and didn’t add Disibbio to the ballot despite being sent a list of certified candidates. Disibbio is running against Mingo County’s Craig Hart.
This isn’t the first time Mingo County has been involved with an election controversy. The May primary was challenged by State Senator Chandler Swope after irregular voter turnout among republicans.
The challenge was later dropped but Disibbio believes the two issues aren’t a coincidence.
“Being the cornerstone of our democracy we need to ensure these and I‘m fighting for that as much as I am for any race I’m currently participating in,” said Disibbio. “I want to be sure everyone has the option for a free and fair election going forward. We need to set this precedence now and make sure we secure it for the remainder of the election and those going forward.”
Disibbio says he‘s been in contact with the West Virginia Secretary of State‘s Office and he’s weighing his options in terms of what can be done.
An official from the West Virginia Secretary of State‘s Office says they haven’t been made aware of exactly how many ballots were affected. The county prosecutor and clerk are supposed to be working on a remedy that will be presented to the county commission.
It’s not clear right now when a decision will be made on a solution. WVVA did try and reach out to leaders by phone in Mingo County to try and learn more about the ballot issues but have yet to hear back.
For previous coverage click here.
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