Judge recommends fine for former Broward elections chief

The Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- An administrative judge recommended that the state fine former Broward County elections supervisor Miriam Oliphant $2,000 because of the botched 2002 primary.

Judge Claude Arrington in Tallahassee ruled that Oliphant willfully neglected her duty because dozens of polls did not open on time and closed early in Broward County on the 2002 gubernatorial primary.

The state Elections Commission had proposed a $55,000 fine, but Arrington said that was too harsh since she has lost her job and faces financial problems, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

Arrington recommended a fine of $2,000, but if it had to be exceeded it should be no more than $10,000.

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