In Alabama, we have some of the strongest election integrity laws in the nation, but having good laws on the books is only one part of the equation.
Equally important is our ability to effectively enforce our laws and prosecute criminals who want to undermine our elections.
Our state has outstanding law enforcement leaders, but proactively combating voter fraud, especially ballot harvesting, can require firsthand knowledge of the election process that they may not have.
Additionally, preliminary investigations can require a serious commitment of resources by local prosecutors when they need to devote those same resources to property crimes and violent crime. The reality is, we need to supplement election integrity enforcement at the state level.
That is why, if elected, I will ask the Alabama Legislature to pass legislation creating an Election Security Division within the Secretary of State’s Office. In 2022, Florida took a similar step, and we should, too.
Recent arrests in Phenix City and Clay County have shown that voter fraud, especially ballot harvesting, is happening in our state.
In Phenix City, two women and a city council candidate are facing multiple felony charges tied to illegal ballot harvesting. In Clay County, a man was indicted on seven felony counts of absentee ballot fraud.
These cases underscore the importance of vigilance and real enforcement of our election laws. These arrests should be encouraging to every Alabamian, but growing up in the Black Belt, I know it is just the tip of the iceberg.
The real question is how to protect the process leading up to Election Day. We need more resources on the enforcement side to truly have a zero-tolerance policy in Alabama.
The Election Security Division will consist of investigators, cybersecurity experts, and campaign finance specialists. This specialized team will work with the office’s existing legal division to investigate voter fraud claims and proactively stop election crimes.
Adding an investigative element to the Secretary of State’s Office will allow the Election Security Division to hand state and local prosecutors cases that are ready to go to court. The biggest obstacle to turning legitimate voter fraud complaints into actual cases is the preliminary legwork and expertise required to determine their legitimacy.
Having a dedicated team with statewide jurisdiction devoted to voter fraud cases will make a tremendous difference in our enforcement of Alabama’s voting laws.
And make no mistake, ensuring free and fair elections is the most fundamental issue facing our country. I am the mother of two daughters, and I want them to live in a country where our citizens can trust the election process, like so many Americans before them.
Alabamians have been fortunate that our state leaders have been serious about enacting strong election security laws, but now we need to be equally serious about enhancing our ability to enforce those laws.
Caroleene Dobson is a Republican candidate for Secretary of State.
