Hunter continues efforts to promote accountability, keep election process honest

LANSING — Senator Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit) introduced new legislation today that would combat election fraud by charging anyone who aids or assists a person who provides false information to register as a candidate for elective office with perjury as well.

“It is already illegal to provide false information to register to vote or run for office, and it should be illegal to help someone try to defraud our democratic process as well. It is unfortunate that some people have resorted to committing a crime just to run for office. Often these illegal acts are done at the urging of and even assistance from political operatives,” said Senator Hunter. “This legislation will keep the election process honest and ensure that anyone involved in intentionally defrauding the people and compromising our democracy will be properly punished.”

Currently, it is perjury for a person to provide a false affidavit or swear falsely while under oath for the purpose of registering to vote, voting at an election or qualifying and filing as a candidate for elective office. Senator Hunter’s legislation would expand the application of the perjury charge to anyone who assists a person in falsifying information to vote or run for office. The offense would be a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of $10,000 or less.

Senator Hunter has been promoting the restoration of ethics, accountability and honesty in government. He was the main architect behind Proposal 2 of 2010, a constitutional amendment that would prohibit people from holding elected office or public employment if they have committed a crime that involves dishonesty, fraud or a breach of public trust related to that person’s official capacity in an elected or governmental position.

Hunter has also introduced Senate Bill 15 to prevent individuals convicted of certain offenses from securing public employment, and Senate Bill 40, which would implement Proposal 2 by prohibiting candidates for public office from being placed on the ballot if they have been convicted of certain felonious offenses.