State reverses course on pursuing criminal charges for fake signatures

By Ben Giles | Arizona Capitol Times

The Secretary of State’s Office won’t refer allegations of signature forgery and fraud that plagued the past election season to state prosecutors despite proclaiming there was ample evidence to seek a criminal investigation.

State Elections Director Eric Spencer would not comment on why officials opted against supplying evidence tied to signatures gathered for four candidates to the Attorney General’s Office.

The decision is an about face from Spencer’s stance in July, when he told Arizona Capitol Timesthere was more than enough evidence for state attorneys to pursue a criminal investigation.

Spencer and his staff had conducted a cursory review of signatures gathered by all 310 candidates for state, legislative and federal office this year. Candidates must file a certain number of signatures on nominating petitions in order to get their name on the ballot.

That review’s focus narrowed to signatures submitted by gubernatorial candidate Ken Bennett, congressional candidate Sandra Dowling, incumbent Rep. Ray Martinez, D-Phoenix, and legislative candidate Mark Syms.

READ ON:

Share this!

Additional Articles

News Categories

Get Our Twice Weekly Newsletter!

* indicates required

Rose Law Group pc values “outrageous client service.” We pride ourselves on hyper-responsiveness to our clients’ needs and an extraordinary record of success in achieving our clients’ goals. We know we get results and our list of outstanding clients speaks to the quality of our work.

December 2018
M T W T F S S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31