O'Brien: “There were three different individuals, one from 2008 and two from the 2010 election that actually voted twice through absentee ballot. And in reviewing the voter rolls, the board of elections detected that and forwarded the cases to us for prosecution.”
Ingles: “So they actually voted? It wasn’t just intent to vote, they actually voted.”
O'Brien: “Right. They actually submitted absentee ballots. They made the request. It was sent to them and they actually voted is my understanding.”
Ingles : “And so where does this case go from here?”
O'Brien : “We presented it to the grand jury and yesterday the grand jury returned an indictment for illegal voting, which is a fourth degree felony that carries a penalty of up to 18 months as a maximum. The defendants were sent a summons through the mail because it is not a violent offense. They will appear in court about a week or so before the arraignment judge, at which time the case would move forward on presumably a not guilty plea. Then it will be scheduled for court sometime here in the next month.”
Ingles: “Now are they allowed to vote in the meantime in this election?”
O'Brien: “Ah, yes they would be. It’s not a disability. There are few disabilities under Ohio law. Felons incarcerated in a prison have a disability but once they are released and complete parole or other requirements for post-conviction release, they are eligible to vote. So someone who is charged is presumed innocent and they are free to vote, hopefully only once however.”
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien says Debbie Tingler, Dominique Atkins and Marian Wilson are the three women who have been charged.
