Two people in Marion County have been charged with distributing phonysample ballots. WSYX Channel 6 in Columbus is reporting that Republican candidate for Marion City Auditor Robert Landon and Marion County Republican Party official, John Matthews have been charged with distributing phony sample ballots. Investigators are also looking into possible election fraud ahead of the election. It is unclear how many party officials or volunteers may be under investigation.
The sample ballot in question is on white paper, it looks like a real ballot. At the bottom of the document, it says "paid by the Marion County Republican Party." If convicted, a party official or candidate caught handing out a sample ballot could face up to six months in jail and a $1000 fine.