NAACP Alleges Voter Suppression By Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk Over Absentee Ballots

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County Branch of the NAACP on Wednesday released a statement alleging potential voter suppression linked to the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

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Tuscaloosa County Branch 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.

Young said the discrepancy is troubling due to Alabama law requiring a response to absentee ballot applications within 48 hours of receipt.

Young went on to say that she visited the Circuit Clerk’s Office on Friday to gather absentee ballot applications and was "taken aback" to find Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk Magaria Bobo — a candidate in the upcoming election — present in the office where absentee ballots were being processed.

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

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

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. He also said the circuit clerk's office had requested additional resources ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

Tuscaloosa Patch has reached out to the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office for comment and will update this story accordingly.

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