East Central Reporter

Poplar Grove, Illinois is experiencing an unusual situation in its local election due to an oversight by Karri Miller, the Village Clerk. During the process of certifying names for the ballots, Miller missed certifying her own name for the position of village clerk.

On January 23, 2025, the county clerk requested certifications from Miller, who sent them for the village president and trustees but failed to include names for the village clerk’s election. Consequently, ballots printed did not feature any candidates for the clerk position.

Miller realized her mistake in late March 2025 and submitted the updated certifications, which included her candidacy. However, the State Board of Elections informed the county clerk that no action was necessary with these updates. Miller subsequently took legal action, filing a lawsuit in Boone County Circuit Court, seeking to have new ballots printed with her name included. The court declined her request, citing the reprinting cost of over $13,000 and indicating that the responsibility for the error lay with Miller.

The election transcripts revealed a disagreement over procedure. Miller claimed negligence on the part of the county clerk for not sending a sample ballot, while the county maintained compliance with the election code by making ballots available on their website and in person.

Eventually, Miller and the county clerk reached an agreement. Miller agreed to cover the cost for printing new ballots. After paying $13,604.37, the county clerk issued and distributed a supplemental ballot listing Miller as the sole candidate for the position of village clerk.