MARION, Ill. (WJPF) – The Democratic candidate for Williamson County State’s Attorney has been removed from the November ballot.

Marcy Cascio-Hale, who was appointed state’s attorney in July following the resignation of Brandon Zanotti, says she’ll appeal the decision.

The Williamson County Republican Party challenged Cascio-Hale’s eligibility to run in the election, claiming documents she filed with election officials were incorrectly and incompletely filled out.

Following the decision, Cascio-Hale issued a statement: 

“It is very clear that the Republicans do not want to have any races in this election. This is why people don’t trust politics. These political games that just distract from the real issues. The facts presented were clear, and the law is clear. With this outcome, the voters have to ask themselves what are they so afraid of? Why do they not want the voters to have a choice?

I have fought hard my entire life. As a mother, I fought for my family to have a better life, which is one of the reasons that I came to southern Illinois. And I will continue to fight for the people of Williamson County, the victims of crime, and to ensure the safety of the entire community. We will appeal this decision, and I will be on the ballot. We all need to fight to have the right to choose and the right to decide.”