Attorney General Gansler Obtains Restraining Order to Halt the Distribution of Fraudulent Campaign Ballot

BALTIMORE, MD ( September 7, 2010) - Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler today obtained a restraining order in Prince George's County Circuit Court to halt the distribution of a fraudulent and deceptive campaign ballot that was handed out to voters in Prince George's County over the Labor Day weekend.

Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge Larnzell Martin found there was sufficient evidence of violations of State elections law by circulating fraudulent and legally non-compliant campaign materials and that, "immediate, substantial, and irreparable harm.....will result if such violations were to continue." Judge Martin also ordered the Prince George's County Sheriff to enforce the restraining order, investigate this matter, and cooperate with the Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies.

"This type of elections shenanigans undermines the integrity of the electoral process," said Attorney General Gansler. "A number of people contacted my office to report this outrageous and blatantly illegal handout. Instances of voter fraud create cynicism among voters and lead to suppression in voter turnout. Elections in Prince George's County and throughout the State of Maryland must be conducted in an above board, transparent, and fair manner. Attempts to mislead and deceive voters will be acted upon swiftly by my office."

The Office of Attorney General received complaints alleging fraudulent election practices occurring in Prince George's County in connection with the September 14, 2010 Democratic primary election. Specifically, the complaints concerned a purported Democratic sample ballot that was being distributed within the county. The complaints reported that the fraudulent sample ballot was sent by US mail to registered Democrats in the 26th Legislative District and also was being distributed at the early voting center at the Oxon Hill library. The fraudulent sample ballot contains a statement that it is, "By Authority, Citizens for Change, Charles Summers, Treasurer," but no such entity with the identified treasurer is registered and in good standing with either the State Department of Assessments and Taxation or the State Elections Board.

Click here for a copy of the signed injunction and fraudulent sample ballot.