Dupage Policy Journal

A law introduced last legislative session by State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) would have prevented a recent spate of prosecutions for election fraud in DuPage County, the legislator claims.

In the past legislative session Mazzochi filed a bill that would have removed the deceased from voter rolls.

The bill has been refiled this legislative session as HB 2462.

The law would allow county clerks to search death registrations to check against voter rolls.

Also, those responsible for reporting the death under the Vital Records Act would be compelled to promptly “transmit certified records to the county clerk within seven days after the death.”

In addition, Mazzochi has filed numerous bills - HB1902, HB2456, HB2460, and HB2461 - dealing with voter integrity which has become an increasing concern after reports of widespread irregularities across the country in the 2020 presidential election.

“[E]lection integrity is a concern regardless of party,” Mazzochi told DuPage Policy Journal.  

Mazzochi’s comments come as five prosecutions were announced by DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin.  

“The very foundation of our country is built upon fair and free elections,” Berlin said in a press release announcing the arrests. “Elections are a sacred duty and while the five defendants charged today represent an infinitesimal percentage of the 491,067 votes cast in the 2020 general election, it is important that anyone suspected of attempting to interfere in any way in the election process be investigated and charged where appropriate."

The prosecutions were the result of efforts by the DuPage County State’s Attorney Office and DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek.

Arrestees include the below:

• Adam P. Butler, 51, Lisle. Charged with one count of forgery and one count of perjury in Election Code. Both charges are a Class 3 Felony.
• Thomas E. Wojciechowski, 73, Carol Stream. Charged with one count of perjury in Election Code, a Class 3 Felony.
• Colleen A. Kirchoff, 60, Naperville. Charged with forgery and perjury in Election Code. Both charges are a Class 3 Felony.
• Darrick Kent, 43, Austin, Texas. Charged with one count of perjury in Election Code, a Class 3 Felony.
• Amy Kent, 41, Austin, Texas. Charged with one count of perjury in Election Code, a Class 3 Felony.  

All are being held on $1,000 bond.

Mazzochi represents the 47th district which includes Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Western Springs, Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Westmont and Downers Grove.