Voters challenge other voters' eligibility

CINCINNATI - Have you registered to vote in the upcoming election? Maybe you should let your neighbors know if you have.

The Hamilton County Board of Elections is seeing the level of voter fraud complaints it receives increase as Election Day approaches. Part of the reason for the increase has to do with an odd Ohio voting law that allows registered voters to file eligibility challenges against other registered voters.

One woman, Theresa Sparks of Lockland, Ohio, has already had to validate her voting eligibility.

Sparks received a letter form the Hamilton County Board of Elections informing her another "qualified elector" challenged her right to vote.

"I've been living here for almost 20 years," Sparks said. “I'm not doing anything fraudulent."

Sparks went to the hearing indicated on the letters she received and pled her case in front of the elections board.

According to the HCBE director, Amy Searcy, Sparks did exactly what was supposed to be done.

"When she began to tell her side of the story, it quickly became apparent that this was not an appropriate challenge," Searcy said.

Should you receive a letter like the one Sparks received or have questions regarding your voter registration, you are asked to contact your local board of elections.