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View Winners → City of San Gabriel to conduct poll worker investigation; Chin Ho Liao’s residency challenge may void his election
Pasadena Independent Mar 25, 2013
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City of San Gabriel to conduct poll worker investigation;
Chin Ho Liao’s residency challenge may void his election
By Terry Miller
As the developing controversy unfolds, staff at the city of San Gabriel has 
been asked to investigate several allegations of election poll-workers “providing direct candidate recommendations to voters” in two precincts on March 5.
The city maintains that while this may have happened, the outcome of the election would not be affected; “ Even without the two precincts in question, Mr. Pu, Mr. Sawkins and Mr. Liao still received the highest number of votes,” according to Assistant City Manager Marcella Marlowe.
There was also a “challenge” raised regarding provisional votes to which the precinct board said it wouldn’t affect the outcome and therefore “ would not be counted.” Numerous phone calls to Liao for comment were not returned.
The city of San Gabriel Tuesday will additionally:
“Challenge/contest to the qualifications of Chin Ho Liao to act as a member of the San Gabriel city council” after that official complaint was received. This comes after the Public Integrity Division of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office received a complaint regarding the activity of some poll workers’ alleged election fraud(s).
Precinct misconduct has been a national issue since voting began and on a local level in municipal elections it is no less illegal. “Pollworkers serve on the frontline of democracy. Your commitment to public service is a tribute to you and your communities.” Dean Logan , Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk said.
Beacon Media contacted Los Angeles County Registrar- Recorder for comment on what the legal ramifications are with such impropriety. We’ll update you when we have more information.
Assistant City Manager Marcella Marlowe said the city has been working to address the complaints, which forced the council to cancel the last council meeting allowing certification of the results and swearing in.
This Tuesday’s meeting will address all these issues.
According to the city “A challenge, as described above, has been received by the City Clerk’s Office in San Gabriel. Follow these links for details
Documents: 3-26-2013 Challenge, Contest to Qualification of Chin Ho Liao.pdf
The main issue appears to be one of residency which would immediately disqualify Liao despite the votes he received.
To read all the details in the matter, please click on these links:
http://sangabrielcity.com/AgendaCenter/San-Gabriel-City-Council-Meeting-3
http://sangabrielcity.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/03262013-34
