Four Philadelphia election workers have been charged with violating the Pennsylvania Election Code during a March special election for a state House seat in Philadelphia. The defendants, Dolores Shaw, Calvin Mattox, Thurman George, and Wallace Hill, comprised the election board at poll 43-7 and were charged with frauds by election officers, interference with primaries and elections, and other offenses.
According to Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the charges were filed after an investigation by the Philadelphia DA’s election fraud task force and the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations. The investigation revealed behavior and conduct by the election workers that violated Pennsylvania’s Election Code and state criminal laws.
The special election was held on March 21st to fill a vacancy in the 197th Legislative District. Democrat Emilio Vasquez won the election, but allegations of voter fraud, electioneering at polls, and voter intimidation were reported to the Philadelphia DA’s Office. The Majority Leader of the Pennsylvania House, Rep. Dave Reed, also requested an investigation into the allegations.
Attorney General Shapiro stated that while there is no evidence the outcome of the election was impacted by the actions of the defendants, the charges are necessary to protect the sanctity of Pennsylvania elections. "We’re here to announce charges against four individuals for interfering with a free and fair election for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives," Shapiro said.
District Attorney Kelley B. Hodge also commented on the charges, stating that the defendants "betrayed the trust that the citizens of Philadelphia have given them to ensure a free, fair, and unencumbered Election Day." Hodge also warned that the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Election Fraud Task Force will continue to monitor polling places to ensure the integrity of the election process.
The charges against the defendants include violating state laws that regulate elections, tampering with public records, conspiracy, and other offenses. The investigation and charges demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to protecting the integrity of the election process and ensuring that those who violate the law are held accountable.
In one incident on Election Day, two Republican voters – a couple who spoke limited English – planned to assist each other at the polls, permissible under language proficiency rules. However, the election workers allegedly interfered with their voting process, highlighting the need for strict enforcement of election laws to prevent such incidents.
RELATED: Smartmatic Executives Accused of $1M Philippine Bribery Scheme
RELATED: Filipino Woman Indicted in Philly Election Fraud
Related Federal Cases
- Millbourne Borough Official Gets 21 Months for Election Fraud Scheme · Delaware
- PA Schools Under Scrutiny: Hickton’s Hotline Hunts Fraud · Washington
- Election Day Sabotage Foiled · Washington
- Trump’s Big Lie Exposed in PA Election Memo · Pennsylvania
- Ex-Scranton School Fleet Manager Cops to $53K Fraud · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: Pennsylvania AG
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Public CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic Corruption