Chicago City Wire

While Marie Newman was able to overcome the odds in upsetting an incumbent in a primary, she may struggle in navigating through questions about her voter registartion record.

Newman beat sitting U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) in a surprise primary win in which Newman received support from left wing Democrats.

Republican candidate Mike Fricilone will be facing off against Newman in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District.

A public records search reveals Newman was listed under “permanently disabled” voter status when living in DuPage County. This allowed her special ballot access meant to be limited only to those unable to travel to polling stations.

Those designated “permanently disabled” are allowed vote by mail for a five-year period only after submitting a physician affidavit attesting to the disability.

There is no evidence that Newman has ever been disabled suggesting she could have been using the designation improperly. In fact, she boasts in an online resume about her affection for Pilates, sorts and fitness.  

The District covers part of Chicago’s southwest side and the suburbs to the west and southwest. Communities in the District include Chicago, Bridgeview, Burbank, Crest Hill, Hickory Hills, Homer Glen, Justice, La Grange, Lemont, Lockport, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Romeoville, Summit, Western Springs and Worth.