Investigation Reveals Lax Punishment for Voter Fraud

Posted: Jan 20, 2014 8:33 PM

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EDINBURG - A CHANNEL 5 NEWS investigation revealed that those caught voting illegally seldom face serious consequences for their actions.
The investigation revealed that people found guilty of casting dozens of illegal votes in the Rio Grande Valley were sentenced to probation and community supervision.

"You will find lack of integrity everywhere; it's not just our area," Hidalgo County Elections Administrator Yvonne Ramon said.

Information from the Texas Attorney General's Office reveals that those convicted of electoral crimes often get their sentences reduced.
"I know judges in courtrooms have their boundaries. It's not for me to question the results of a decision made by one of our judges," Ramon said.
Ramon said her office tries to educate voters about the importance of fraud-free elections.

"As more people realize what exactly is illegal when it comes to paying for votes or selling a vote, they are aware that there are punishments. There are legal entities that will be looking and investigating," she said.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS' investigation perused records dating back to 2005. State records show that there was only one investigation that resulted in resolved prosecution during that year.

Things changed in 2008. Hidalgo and Starr counties racked up 11 cases each - more than any other region in the state.

One of the accused pleaded guilty, was fined $750 and sentenced to community supervision.

"We have to press to our community to honor the vote, to be independent and knowledgeable of the elections taking place," Ramon said.

She said one vote can sway an election.

Politiqueras also play an important role in voter fraud.

"They say you pay me for the next couple of weeks or a month and I'll deliver 300 to 400 votes for you," Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra said.

Officials said it is up to voters to stop the fraud. They say people must realize that a vote is worth more than $10, a pack of cigarettes or a ride to a drug house.

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Election Code Referrals to the Office of the Attorney General


http://www.krgv.com/news/investigation-reveals-lax-punishment-for-voter-fraud/