Multiple City Council Candidates Face Voter Fraud Charges in US Municipal Elections

Lawrence City Councilor Fidelina Santiago pleaded guilty to 12 charges related to voter fraud in the 2023 Lawrence municipal election, including unlawful voting, interfering with a voter, and obstructing voting. Prosecutors chose not to pursue four additional conspiracy charges against her. Santiago defeated candidate Vladimir Acevedo in the election and is scheduled for sentencing on October 9. This case originated after a voter dispute revealed that someone else had removed a ballot from the voter's mailbox without their consent. Meanwhile, in Phenix City, Alabama, District 3 City Council candidate Jamar Gayles was arrested and charged with multiple counts of absentee voter fraud, part of an ongoing investigation involving other individuals as well. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about election integrity at the local government level.