Oh asks D.A. to probe ballots from vets home

Unsuccessful City Council candidate David Oh yesterday asked District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham to investigate instances of voter fraud in the Nov. 6 election based on allegations that absentee ballots were cast for elderly veterans who did not vote.

Oh based his allegations partly on interviews conducted with residents of the Delaware Valley Veterans Home in Northeast Philadelphia. Six of 35 people interviewed said they didn't vote, according to affidavits supplied by Oh.

Abraham's spokeswoman, Cathie Abookire, said the office had not received Oh's request as of 5 p.m. "When we get it, we'll read it," she said.

The election, in which Oh was edged out by incumbent Jack Kelly by 122 votes, was certified by the Board of Elections on Monday. Oh is not contesting the election through state court, and has not accused Kelly or his supporters of being involved in election fraud.

Kelly received 28 votes to Oh's 20 votes out of 60 alternative absentee ballots cast from the home, Board of Elections administrator Bob Lee said. Alternative ballots are provided to the elderly or handicapped who can't physically get to a polling place.

Oh said he wants the Board of Elections to "correct" the process of collecting and counting absentee ballots, and punish anyone who falsified ballots. He also said he has the option of filing a suit in federal court.

"I think it's important . . . that we send a message to the people who tried to take advantage of the elderly and sick, that they will be pursued and prosecuted," Oh said. A reporter attempting to interview residents of the veterans home on Southampton Road was turned away last week. Administrators this week said residents could not be interviewed because of privacy concerns.

Joan Nissley, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said the same person from the home's residents council has assisted with ballots for the last three years, and any resident who wants to vote and needs assistance gets it.

"We are confident that no improprieties took place," Nissley said.

But Anthony Hill, director of the veterans' advocacy group Gathering of Eagles, who is also an Oh supporter, said he personally interviewed at least two people who said they did not vote, and others who were mostly unresponsive to questions.

"It's just disgusting to use the guys, who have worn the uniform, in that way," said Hill.

Nissley said that there is no competency test for voting, and cautioned that the conditions of residents can be fragile. "Because of their physical or mental capabilities, they can change week to week," she said.

Frank Keel, a spokesman for Kelly, said the councilman was moving on. "This thing is over," Keel said. "Councilman Kelly is focusing on the next four years and his current legislative agenda. Mr. Oh can do whatever he wants."

Nissley said the home would cooperate with any official investigation.