Two people are the targets of charges after a comprehensive investigation into claims of voter fraud in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Notably, a Democrat city council member who was just elected is among the accused.
Local authorities have accused Fidelina Santiago, the incoming city councilor, and her associate of engaging in voter fraud. The accusations are based on a startling video that depicts criminals breaking into voter mailboxes and altering mail-in and absentee ballots. Not only were these ballots fraudulently filled out, but their signatures were also forged. The city’s police chief has confirmed that the video will be important evidence in the case, even though the district attorney for Essex County has not yet confirmed the identities of the people in the video.
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There are sixteen counts of voter fraud against both women.
When a person with a forged identity tried to vote in person and was told they had already cast their ballot, it was discovered that they had broken the law. They reported the incident to the local election authorities as a result, and they launched a thorough investigation.
Those who didn’t make it the previous month are expressing their dismay at Santiago’s win.
“I’m kind of sad because it never should have happened this way, but I’m glad because this act is from democracy, you know what I mean, keeping me believing in what made me involved in politics,” said Vladimir Acevedo, Lawrence City Council candidate.
“They’re serious indictments but like anything else in our country, you’re presumed innocent. I think it’s wise to let this process go forward before reaching any kind of conclusions,” said City Council President Marc LaPlante.
LaPlante is optimistic that Santiago will still be sworn in despite the latest events.
“I think our city clerk has a responsibility to swear in people who were lawfully elected at this point. Again, there’s an investigation going on. Until higher authorities say that this is unlawful, I would imagine the clerk has a responsibility of swearing in all the folks who won the election in November,” said LaPlante.
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With 385 votes to Santiago’s 537, Acevedo, the candidate, feels that it would be unfair to inaugurate his former opponent.
“I’m angry, but I’m happy that the justice is working, you know what I mean, that’s what we believe,” said Acevedo.
There is a concerning history of corruption in the City of Lawrence that goes back more than ten years. Allegations of misconduct clouded the administration of former Mayor William Lantigua, who was implicated in a federal investigation in 2011. Lantigua’s marriage to his former secretary, a crucial witness in the case, further complicated matters by granting her spousal privileges, which prevented her from testifying against him.
