LaRose refers suspected election law violators to law enforcement
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Monday that he has formally referred evidence of suspected election law violations to numerous county prosecutors for review and possible criminal prosecution.
“We take every allegation of wrongdoing in our elections seriously, whether it’s a fake signature on a petition, a fraudulent voter registration form or a stolen vote,” said Secretary LaRose. “Today we’re handing over evidence to prosecutors in 20 counties, where dishonest individuals were apparently trying to game the system. Every one of these has the potential to fraudulently impact an election, and, even though fraud is rare, it’s important to keep it that way by sending a clear message that misconduct won’t be tolerated.”
Prosecutors in 20 counties received referrals for violations involving petition forms to grant minor party status, petition forms to place a constitutional amendment regarding redistricting on the November ballot, and fraudulent voter registration forms submitted by canvassers working on behalf of Black Fork Strategies LLC. The office’s Election Integrity Unit has been working to build the referrals to assist each county prosecutor with successful enforcement of the law, including criminal charges.
Ohio law gives the Secretary of State the duty to “investigate the administration of election laws, frauds, and irregularities in elections in any county, and report violations of election laws to the Attorney General or Prosecuting Attorney, or both, for prosecution.” (R.C. 33501.05(N)(1)) The law further states: “In the performance of the Secretary of State's duties as the chief election officer, the Secretary of State may administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summon witnesses, compel the production of books, papers, records, and other evidence, and fix the time and place for hearing any matters relating to the administration and enforcement of the election laws.” (R.C. 33501.05(EE))
To better fulfill these statutory duties, LaRose announced the creation of the office’s first-ever Public Integrity Division in 2022 as part of an ongoing effort to build on Ohio’s record as a national leader in election administration. The division consolidates many of the office’s longstanding investigative functions, including campaign finance reporting, voting system certification, voter registration integrity, the investigation of election law violations, data retention & transparency, and cybersecurity protocols.
The Ohio General Assembly is currently considering legislation to make the division’s Election Integrity Unit a permanent function of the office. The office recently announced an expansion of the division, adding top personnel with investigative and law enforcement experience from prior service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the United States Secret Service.
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