A Democratic candidate for the Clay County Commission has been convicted of felony voter fraud after admitting to illegally manipulating absentee ballots during his campaign.

Terry Andrew Heflin, 45, who ran for the District 5 seat, pleaded guilty to one count of absentee ballot fraud, a Class C felony.

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According to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Heflin unlawfully requested and completed another citizen’s absentee ballot, voting for himself without the voter’s knowledge or consent. He directed the ballot to be mailed to his own post office box and submitted the fraudulent vote during his campaign for public office.

Heflin was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, split to serve 15 days in jail, and was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.

“Voter fraud is a direct attack on our democratic process, and it will not be ignored or excused in Alabama,” Attorney General Marshall said.

“When someone cheats the system to steal a vote, they are stealing the voice of their fellow citizens. This conviction sends a clear and unmistakable message: if you undermine our elections by committing voter fraud, you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted.”

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Marshall thanked the Special Prosecutions Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office for its outstanding work in securing the conviction, and also recognized the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office for its valuable assistance in the successful prosecution of the case.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.