Voter Fraud

Prosecutors allege he forged his dead father's signature on a vote-by-mail ballot in October 2020.

Months after the controversial arrests, one case ended with a plea deal and at least three have been dismissed. And attorneys say Florida's cases face a tough road — even if they make it to trial.

One of the 20 people arrested by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new election security force this week accepted a plea deal that allows her to avoid any punishment. So far, none have received prison time. Last week, prosecutors dropped charges against one of them, while last month, a judge dismissed charges against another.

Tony Patterson was one of 20 people accused by Governor Ron DeSantis in a high-profile news conference in August of voting illegally. As someone convicted of a felony sexual offense, Patterson was not allowed to vote under state law. But in a new court filing, prosecutors wrote that they were dropping charges against him.

A week after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the arrests of 20 people for alleged voter fraud, his administration quietly made a change that some say could help the state go after more people. Starting in August, Floridians on probation have been required to sign an updated form placing the burden on them to determine if they’re eligible to vote.

Voter fraud arrests; Senate and governor races; Ian's citrus damage

One of 20 people arrested with fanfare under an election fraud program launched by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has had his case dismissed by a Miami judge. Those arrested had voted in 2020, the first election cycle since the implementation of Amendment 4 that that allowed many felons to have their voting rights automatically restored, except for those convicted of murder and felony sexual assault.

Impactful footage obtained by the Tampa Bay Times showing perplexed Florida felons being arrested on voter fraud charges in August — on orders from Governor Ron DeSantis' elections crime unit — reignited the debate over the troubled implementation of Amendment 4. Civil rights groups including the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition are demanding a statewide voter verification system, calling out officials’ “outrageous negligence” on the matter.

Voter fraud crackdown; congressional redistricting; Charlie Crist leaves office; Artemis 1 launch; Pinellas County Section 8 housing; attorney general race; Broward County School Board members ousted; Torey Alston; Leon County races

Kelvin Bolton was arrested at a local homeless shelter, court records showed. He was being held Thursday on a $30,000 bond on third-degree felony charges of perjury and fraud.

More voters will use paper ballots this year than in 2016, but in a number of key ways, U.S. election security still has a long way still to travel.

Federal agents have launched a sweeping investigation into Miami-Dade mail facilities after federal agents discovered 48 undelivered ballots at a post office near Homestead.