Several U.S. states are issuing stern warnings to county and local officials about the upcoming November 5 election. Any illegal intervention or refusal to certify results could lead to criminal charges or substantial financial penalties.
Actions Against Election Interference in Battleground States
In at least five of the seven key battleground states, officials have acted against individuals attempting to interfere with or delay the certification of election results. This certification process is crucial for the formal declaration of election outcomes, despite being largely ceremonial.
Officials have received warnings that failing to certify results on time could force their local governments to bear the costs of unnecessary audits or recounts.
Strengthening Oversight to Prevent Fraud Claims
The increased scrutiny of local election officials aims to prevent baseless fraud claims from delaying result certification. Such delays could disrupt Congress’s certification of the presidential election results in an intensely partisan environment.
Since Trump’s attempts to overturn his 2020 defeat, swing states like Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, along with Democratic-leaning Colorado, have become more skilled at managing officials who overreach their authority.
Pennsylvania Issues Misdemeanor Warnings
In Pennsylvania, the largest swing state, authorities overruled a county official who tried to prevent the use of drop boxes for mail-in ballots. Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo, a Democrat, cited safety concerns when she opted against deploying the boxes, following threats of a lawsuit from the Republican National Committee.
State Attorney General Michelle Henry warned Crocamo that only the county elections board could make such decisions. Non-compliance could result in criminal misdemeanor charges punishable by fines and up to a year in prison. The county subsequently complied with the order.
Henry, a former Republican, emphasized that her office would rigorously enforce election laws.
Wisconsin Investigates Mayor for Drop Box Removal
The Wisconsin Justice Department is investigating Wausau Mayor Doug Diny for removing a locked, empty drop box from outside City Hall. He acted despite a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling allowing municipal clerks to place drop boxes.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul stated that his office would enforce election laws and address any concerns about compliance.
Michigan: Felony Charges and Financial Penalties
In Michigan’s Macomb County, three assistant clerks in St. Clair Shores face felony charges for allegedly allowing four residents to vote twice in the primary election. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed charges that could lead to up to five years in prison.
In Delta County, officials who refused to certify a local recall election received warnings that all associated costs would fall to the county. After state intervention, the board later certified the results.
Arizona: Election Interference Charges
Two Republican officials from Cochise County face felony charges for delaying the canvass of votes in the 2022 elections. Prosecutors allege that their actions interfered with the statewide canvass. They are scheduled to stand trial in January.
Nevada: Possible Prosecution and Office Forfeiture
In Nevada, the state intervened when the Washoe County Board of Commissioners initially refused to certify primary election results. The commissioners reversed their decision after receiving warnings of potential criminal charges and office forfeiture.
Colorado: Harsh Penalties for Tampering
In Colorado, former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters received a nine-year prison sentence for tampering with voting machines in 2020. Judge Matthew Barrett condemned her actions, stating she abused her position to spread falsehoods.
These actions highlight the importance of maintaining election integrity. Officials must follow the law to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
