Two residents from Nevada, Ronnie Williams and Lorraine Lee Combs, face federal charges for conspiring to commit voter registration fraud in Minnesota, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The charges arise from actions taken between 2021 and 2022, where the individuals allegedly created fake identities to submit fraudulent voter registration applications.
The DOJ reported that Combs, 57, and Williams, 58, conspired to complete voter registration forms with fictitious names and personal details. They were aware that falsifying information on these forms is a felony, potentially leading to severe legal repercussions, including up to five years in prison and hefty fines. The duo reportedly submitted these fraudulent applications to an unnamed foundation, referred to as “Foundation 1″ in legal documents, which aimed to register voters in Minnesota.
Notably, the Minnesota Secretary of State confirmed that no fraudulent ballots were cast as a result of these actions. This was established through diligent verification processes conducted in partnership with the FBI, which helped identify inconsistencies in the registration forms.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon emphasized the integrity of the state’s electoral process, stating, “These charges prove that our systems work. The extensive checks in Minnesota’s voter registration process ensured that the fraudulent applications were immediately flagged.” He reassured voters that the mining of such fraud efforts is taken seriously and that those attempting to manipulate the system will face justice.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson expressed gratitude for the preventative measures taken by the FBI, highlighting the seriousness of election fraud and its impact on democracy. The investigation illustrates Minnesota’s commitment to maintaining secure and trustworthy elections.
As legal proceedings progress, Williams is scheduled for an arraignment and change of plea hearing. This case reinforces the ongoing vigilance against any threats to electoral integrity, assuring voters that safeguards are in place to preserve honest election practices.
In a broader context, this incident underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding electoral integrity and demonstrates how proactive measures can effectively protect the democratic process.