DeSantis Announces Arrests Of 20 Individuals For Voter Fraud

On Thursday, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the arrests of 20 individuals who violated the state’s election laws.

“In 2020, Florida ran an efficient, transparent election that avoided the major problems we saw in other states. At the same time, the election was not perfect, which is why we continue our efforts to ensure the integrity of our elections,” DeSantis said. “Our new election crimes office has sprung into action to hold individuals accountable for voter fraud. Today’s actions send a clear signal to those who are thinking about ballot harvesting or fraudulently voting. If you commit an elections crime, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

In 2020, FL ran one of the most secure & transparent elections in the US, but we have more work to do. That's why I established an election crimes unit. @fdlepio has charged 20 murderers & sex offenders who weren't eligible to vote w/ election fraud. They face 5 yrs in prison. pic.twitter.com/eNXksxOtEI

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 18, 2022

In a press release, DeSantis’ office explained, “All 20 of these individuals were disqualified from voting after they were convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense, but they chose to vote anyway, and now they have all been charged with voter fraud — a third-degree felony punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison.”

“They did not go through any process, they did not get their rights restored, and yet they went ahead and voted anyways. That is against the law and now they’re gonna pay the price for it,” DeSantis said.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody explained, “As elected leaders, it is incumbent on us to ensure free and fair elections and instill confidence in the voting process.”

“No voting system can stand without the backing and confidence of the people it serves, and thanks to Governor DeSantis, we are reinforcing that trust, and Florida’s elections system will serve as the standard-bearer for the rest of the nation,” Moody added.