Indiana Secretary of State removed from office for voter fraud

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Well, isn't this ironic. Indiana, the state that could not produce a single prosecution for voter fraud into evidence in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, 553 U.S. 181 (2008) in which the Court upheld the state's requirement for photo I.D. to vote on the grounds that "it could happen… maybe … someday… you never know," finally has a conviction for voter fraud.

An Indianapolis county court has removed Indiana Secretary of State Charles White from office on charges of voter fraud relating to his 2010 election. Bwahahahaha! Charles White, Indiana Secretary Of State, Removed From Office:

The Marion County Circuit Court issued the order late Thursday afternoon in response to a Democratic Party civil suit alleging that White lied about his residency during the 2010 election to retain salary from a town councilman post he held. White is currently facing criminal charges stemming from the voter fraud allegations. In Indiana, the secretary of state also serves as the chief elections official.

The court order requires the state's Recount Commission to void White's 2010 election certification and award the secretary of state's post to runner-up Vop Osili (D). Osili was elected last month as a councilman for the Indianapolis-Marion County government.

WTHR in Indiana reports that the Recount Commission is seeking a stay of the ruling pending White's appeal, and requesting that White remain secretary of state pending a final outcome of the civil case.

The court's decision said that it does not "imply" that White's actions "were or were not fraudulent or committed a crime," but rather that he "knowingly registered in the wrong precinct." The court is deferring any questions of illegal activity for decision during the coming criminal trial, which begins on Jan. 30.

If convicted while still in office, White would be automatically unseated. Under this procedure, Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) would appoint a new secretary of state.

This is fair warning to candidates: with redistricting, there is always the temptation for candidates to play fast and loose with their place of residency (business address, ex-spouse's address, second residence, etc.) It is where you are domiciled, where you hang your hat every night, so to speak, that matters. This case is going to lead to closer scrutiny of your candidacy filings. I know that this has gone on in Arizona and everyone has turned a blind eye to it in the past, but no longer. Resist the temptation.