A Costa Mesa woman, Laura Lee Yourex, has been charged with five felonies by the U.S. Department of Justice for illegally registering her dog, Maya, to vote in California elections in 2021 and 2022. The dog’s vote was counted in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election but was rejected in the 2022 primary. Prosecutors uncovered social media posts featuring the dog with an “I voted” sticker and ballot, along with Yourex’s self-reporting of the actions to the Orange County Registrar of Voters. The charges include perjury, procuring a false document, registering a non-existent person, and casting a ballot when not entitled to vote, with a minimum of six years in prison if convicted.
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President Trump has vowed further changes to U.S. elections, despite having limited constitutional authority to do so on his own. Trump’s statements, often fueled by false claims about voter fraud and conspiracy theories, propose eliminating mail voting and voting machines, which were used in his own 2024 election victory. The article explains that the U.S. Constitution primarily grants states the power to determine election procedures, while Congress can influence federal elections. Legal experts clarify that the president’s involvement in election conduct is minimal, and any alterations to federal election rules would require congressional action, which is unlikely given the current political landscape.
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A Wisconsin watchdog group, joined by two voters, filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk, his super PAC America PAC, and another Musk-owned entity, alleging unlawful bribery and lottery violations during the state Supreme Court election. The suit claims Musk offered $100 and million-dollar checks to voters who signed a petition supporting a specific candidate, actions the plaintiffs argue undermined voter faith in the electoral process. The complaint cites instances of recipients publicly endorsing the candidate after receiving the money, and seeks to prevent future similar actions. This lawsuit follows a similar, but unsuccessful, attempt by the Wisconsin Attorney General. The plaintiffs contend Musk’s actions constitute election bribery and civil conspiracy.
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Haoxiang Gao, a Chinese national and University of Michigan student, was charged with illegal voting in the 2024 general election after admitting to registering and casting a ballot. Despite court orders to surrender his passport and remain in Michigan, Gao fled to China via Delta Airlines on January 19th. He is now federally charged with flight to avoid prosecution; however, extradition from China is unlikely due to the lack of an extradition treaty. This case highlights the rarity of non-citizen voting in U.S. elections, underscoring the seriousness of the offense.
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Former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, now a Trump administration official, purchased a Texas home and declared Texas residency last June, yet voted in Hawaii’s 2024 general election. This action, coupled with her claiming a Texas homestead tax exemption, raises questions regarding potential violations of both Hawaii voting laws and Texas property tax laws. Gabbard’s representatives maintain she remains a Hawaii resident, citing differing definitions of residency for voting and tax purposes. Legal experts, however, note inconsistencies and potential grounds for investigation into her voting and tax claims.
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The Trump administration’s dismantling of key election security networks, built over eight years, leaves election offices vulnerable. Significant cuts to CISA, including the layoff of cybersecurity specialists and the cancellation of information-sharing initiatives, have severely weakened the nation’s ability to detect and respond to election threats. Simultaneously, the disbanding of key FBI task forces focused on foreign interference and domestic threats further compromises election security. These actions, justified by the administration as necessary to address unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, have alarmed state officials and raised concerns about the integrity of future elections. State-level efforts to fill the void are underway, but face significant challenges.
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President Trump’s executive order, titled “Restoring Trust in American Elections,” mandates new voting rules deemed unconstitutional by many. The order, driven by unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, oversteps executive authority by dictating state election procedures, including requiring proof of citizenship on voter registration forms and restricting mail-in ballot deadlines. This action is predicted to face legal challenges due to its infringement upon states’ rights to regulate their own elections, as explicitly outlined in the Constitution. The order also includes impractical demands, such as mandating the use of nonexistent voting machines, further highlighting its potential flaws.
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The upcoming four years represent a pivotal moment for America, demanding unwavering commitment to unbiased news coverage. HuffPost, facing this challenge, is launching an ad-free experience for contributing supporters. This initiative aims to ensure continued provision of free, fair journalism during this critical period. Support from readers is crucial to maintaining this vital service.
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At a recent rally, President-elect Trump credited Elon Musk’s purported expertise in Pennsylvania’s voting systems for his landslide victory in the state. This statement, widely circulated online, prompted accusations from Trump critics of election rigging and spurred speculation about potential voter fraud. The claims have drawn sharp rebukes from Democrats, including a sitting congresswoman, who allege a confession to criminal activity. Newsweek has reached out to both the Trump transition team and Elon Musk for comment.
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A New York court ruled that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. illegally voted in New York while residing in California, a finding supported by public records indicating his November vote from a Katonah address. Kennedy claimed to be renting a room there, a claim contradicted by the homeowner’s wife. This alleged violation raises concerns about his fitness for public office, particularly given his potential HHS Secretary role. The incident adds to the controversy surrounding several of President-elect Trump’s controversial cabinet picks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker