Circuit Clerk Denies NAACP's Voter Suppression Claims

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk Magaria Bobo is denying claims that she committed voter suppression by withholding absentee ballots from certain applicants.

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As Patch previously reported, the Tuscaloosa County Branch of the NAACP released a statement alleging potential voter suppression linked to the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Tuscaloosa County Branch of the NAACP President Lisa Young said reports have emerged from several residents who have not received their absentee ballots, despite submitting applications as early as three weeks ago.

"With only two weeks remaining before the upcoming election, the efficiency and transparency of the Circuit Clerk’s Office are under scrutiny," she said.

Young went on to say that NAACP representatives contacted election manager Krystal Miles last week regarding their complaints, before saying that Miles stated that all absentee ballot applications had been processed.

However, Young claims that subsequent conversations revealed that some applications postmarked in September were still pending.

Bobo told Patch that she had recused herself, as required by law, and Miles had been appointed to serve in her place as absentee election manager.

"All of the allegations are unfounded and they keep making accusations that are not true," she said. "We can’t send a ballot out without an application. The mail is just slowing it down."

Young and the NAACP were also critical that Bobo was working in the office, saying Young visited the Circuit Clerk’s Office on Friday to gather absentee ballot applications and was "taken aback" to find Bobo — a candidate in the upcoming election — present in the office where absentee ballots were being processed.

Bobo is on the ballot for re-election next month, opposed by former Tuscaloosa City Councilor Sonya McKinstry.

"That’s my office," Bobo said. "I can’t stay out of my office. I’m not handing any ballots or absentees in there. I’m having to do civil work."

Still, Young initially said the discrepancy was troubling due to state law requiring a response to absentee ballot applications within 48 hours of receipt.

"While the NAACP is not accusing anyone of unethical conduct, the situation raises questions about the impartiality of the process," Young said on Wednesday.

Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Rob Robertson told Patch that while the circuit clerk's office is not under his jurisdiction, Bobo had recused herself from her election duties as it relates to her office's involvement.

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