A progressive political action committee faces a steep fine for failing to turn in about 100 ballots on time in November’s election.

Defend Oregon, the political campaign arm of non-profit Our Oregon, collected voters’ ballots as part of its get-out-the-vote effort in last year’s election on Nov 6. But the group didn’t turn in 97 ballots until the day after the election, prompting Secretary of State Dennis Richardson to launch an investigation.

It is against Oregon law to collect voter ballots but not turn them in on time. On Tuesday, Richardson’s office announced that Defend Oregon would be fined $94,750 for the error.

When asked for comment, Defend Oregon sent the following statement from executive director Becca Uherbelau to the Mercury.

“From the very beginning, Defend Oregon has taken responsibility for the mistake during the November 2018 election that resulted in some ballots being turned in late,” it reads in part. “Throughout the entire process, we have fully cooperated with the Secretary of State's investigation into the matter. Increasing access to the ballot is central to our work at Defend Oregon, so we take this mistake very seriously and sincerely apologize to impacted voters who entrusted us with their ballots.”

Uherbelau added that the mistake prompted Defend Oregon to review its own ballot collection protocol.

Defend Oregon will need to either pay the full fine, or challenge it in court. A spokesperson for Our Oregon said that the organization is currently still reviewing its options for a potential challenge.