Suspended Jefferson County probate judge accused of election interference in new lawsuit

A political candidate who challenged a state representative in the recent primary is now taking legal action, accusing embattled Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard of interfering with the electoral process. Mara Ruffin Blackmon, who ran for House District 57, filed a complaint this week in Bessemer Circuit Court calling for an immediate investigation into election operations.

Allegations of Misconduct

In her May 22 court filing, Blackmon contends that Blanchard used her position to favor incumbent Rep. Patrick Sellers. Sellers, a Democrat from Pleasant Grove, secured a second term after defeating Blackmon with 61.14% of the vote compared to her 32.79%. Sellers dismissed the legal action in a comment to 205focus.com, stating, “The lawsuit is frivolous. There was a very expressive and declarative win. We need to get back to business as usual.”

The lawsuit identifies Blanchard, Sellers, and unnamed election chief inspectors as defendants. Central to Blackmon’s complaint is the assertion that Blanchard attempted to influence the race in January by offering to cover her campaign expenses if she agreed to drop out of the contest against the incumbent.

Concerns Over Impartiality

Blackmon argues that Blanchard’s professional ties to Sellers created an inherent conflict of interest. The complaint highlights that the probate judge, who serves as the chief elections official for Jefferson County, has employed two of Sellers’ sisters, including Deputy Probate Judge Jacqueline Knox, who oversees the Bessemer office.

Beyond staffing concerns, the lawsuit challenges the use of Sellers’ Birmingham church as a polling location and raises allegations of irregular activities at multiple precincts in Birmingham and Midfield. Blackmon claims that individuals associated with polling activities were seen escorting voters into booths and transporting ballots to vehicles outside of voting sites.

A Judge Under Fire

This legal challenge arrives as Blanchard is already facing significant turmoil. The judge was recently suspended from the bench following a 120-page state complaint that details allegations of bullying and judicial misconduct. While those charges are separate from this lawsuit, Blackmon argues that the state investigation underscores broader public concerns regarding the procedural integrity and neutrality of election administration under Blanchard’s leadership.

Efforts by 205focus.com to reach Blackmon and Blanchard for comment were unsuccessful as of Wednesday afternoon.