Five years for attempting to vote with a provisional ballot? That seems wildly excessive. I know ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse, but seriously? People get far less time than that for far more serious crimes. Again, it was a “provisional” ballot. Meaning she thought she was allowed to vote but wasn’t on the voter list. Why wouldn’t they simply look at the ballot, say she’s ineligible, and toss it?
“Five years for attempting to vote with a provisional ballot? ”
Vote fraud is a direct attack on the entire body politic. 5 years for a first offense sounds just about right.
L
You are believing this woman’s story. She is a convicted felon. The provisional ballot clearly states that under penalty of law, you are stating that you are eligible to vote.
Felons know they can’t vote in most states, and the ballot probably also stated that on it.
Voter fraud is a serious matter, with sweeping effects. Five years sounds appropriate.
Consider:
- The woman is a citizen albeit on parole.
- The woman claims she was unaware of the prohibition.
- Those offering/processing her provisional ballot saw she was not on the voter roles - what responsibility should they have had in 'clearing' those given a provisional ballot?
Yes, ignorance of the law is no excuse, however there can be circumstances that dictate mercy and leniency. Unless there was proof that this woman knew she was breaking the law, I would consider the sentence unnecessarily harsh.