GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — An appeals court dismissed charges against a Michigan election worker who put a USB flash drive into an electronic poll book and downloaded the names of voters at the close of a primary election in 2022.
The court’s conclusion: James Holkeboer’s conduct was improper but not a crime.
He was charged with election fraud. But Holkeboer’s lawyers pointed out that the state law used by prosecutors only bars acts that change the election record.
“The prosecution had to demonstrate that Holkeboer fraudulently removed or secreted the election list of voters such that the information was no longer available or altered,” the court said in a 3-0 opinion Thursday.
“Here, no evidence was presented that election information was altered or made unavailable” to local election officials, the court said.
Holkeboer’s acts did not affect the results of the 2022 primary election. He was working at a polling place in Kent County’s Gaines Township, south of Grand Rapids, for the first time.
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Daniele De Rossi's contract at Roma is extended just 3 months after replacing Jose Mourinho
Cost of privately renting homes rises by more than 9% in a year
Once praised, settlement to help sickened BP oil spill workers leaves most with nearly nothing
Elon Musk gets approval from FDA to implant his Neuralink brain chip into a second patient
One in THREE people will be struck down with 'silent killer' amid huge surge in condition
Pakistan says Iran's President Raisi will visit next week despite tensions in the Middle East
Strong quake in southwestern Japan leaves 9 with minor injuries, but no tsunami
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
UK Conservatives suspend lawmaker as sleaze allegations swirl over possible misuse of party funds
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
Louisiana bills seeking to place restrictions on where people can carry guns receive pushback