DOJ Warns Election Officials of Federal Criminal Penalties
Federal prosecutors urge state officials to preserve election records, threatening prison time for noncompliance.
2 min read
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a warning to state election officials, stating that failing to preserve election records could result in federal criminal charges and prison time. Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter sent letters to all 50 states, emphasizing the legal obligation to retain ballots, poll books, and other election-related documents. The letters, obtained by ABC News, clarify that willfully destroying, concealing, or altering election records is a crime punishable by up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
The notices, which carry McCotter’s signature, were sent as a reminder of the legal responsibilities of election officials. The DOJ stressed that these records must be safeguarded for 22 months after an election, as required by federal law. McCotter’s letter was obtained by ABC News and highlights the DOJ’s commitment to enforcing these rules.
Several state officials expressed concern over the tone of the letter. Democratic Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas criticized the emphasis on criminal penalties, stating that while she hopes the message was simply a legal reminder, it could have been handled differently. Her office, however, treats the requirement as routine and did not gain any new insights from the letter, according to Votebeat.
The warning comes amid a series of legal battles involving election records. A federal judge in California recently rebuked the administration over its handling of election officials, particularly regarding ballots from voters suspected of being noncitizens. The letters also follow the FBI’s seizure of over 600 boxes of ballots and election materials from Fulton County, Georgia, in January. A federal judge, J.P. Boulee, a Trump appointee, declined to order the records returned in May.
Reminding election officials to follow federal law is a civic service, not a “threat.” They should welcome efforts to ensure that illegal votes by noncitizens do not cancel out votes by U.S. citizens. Many election officials work with DOJ. But a few would rather bury their heads in the sand.
The DOJ’s actions are part of a broader effort to ensure the integrity of the upcoming midterms. With the November elections approaching, the department is reinforcing the importance of maintaining accurate and secure election records. This move aligns with ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding election integrity and the role of federal oversight in state-level processes.
Source: Daily Caller
