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

A former candidate for the Alabama State Legislature is sounding the alarm on election integrity in Jefferson County, filing a lawsuit that accuses embattled Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard of significant impropriety.

Allegations of Interference

Mara Ruffin Blackmon, who challenged Rep. Patrick Sellers for the House District 57 seat, filed the complaint this week in Bessemer Circuit Court. The filing cites concerns over the administration of the recent Democratic primary, which saw Sellers retain his seat with 61.14% of the vote compared to Blackmon’s 32.79%.

Central to Blackmon’s complaint is an allegation that during a dinner in January, Judge Blanchard—who serves as the chief elections official in Jefferson County—offered to cover Blackmon’s campaign expenses if she dropped out of the race against Sellers. The lawsuit alleges that Blanchard’s close ties to the incumbent, including the hiring of two of Sellers’ sisters to her staff, created an inherent conflict of interest that hindered fair election oversight.

Expanded Concerns

The lawsuit targets both Blanchard and Sellers as defendants, along with unnamed election chief inspectors. Beyond the alleged dinner offer, the complaint raises questions regarding the use of Sellers’ church as a polling site and reports of individuals escorting voters and transporting ballots at various locations in Birmingham and Midfield.

“Plaintiff alleges that these overlapping relationships are relevant to concerns regarding: impartial election administration, poll worker supervision, staffing assignments, election management and public confidence in the neutrality of election operations,” the filing states.

A Legal Storm

This litigation arrives at a tumultuous time for Judge Blanchard, who was recently suspended from the bench following a 120-page state report alleging bullying and other professional misconduct. While those charges are separate from this lawsuit, Blackmon argues that the state findings amplify existing public concerns regarding the judge's handling of election procedures.

In response to the filing, Rep. Sellers dismissed the claims when reached by 205focus.com, stating, “The lawsuit is frivolous. There was a very expressive and declarative win. We need to get back to business as usual.” Efforts by 205focus.com to reach Blackmon and Blanchard for comment were unsuccessful as of Wednesday afternoon.