NewsNet5.comNews
House & HomeFoodTechHomeTown ExpertsLiving GreenReal EstateWEDDINGSDatingAutosTravel
Democracy 2008EntertainmentEducationLegal SearchEmploymentDealsHealth ExpertsHoliday GuideCleveland247Family


E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Investigation: Nearly 13,000 Dead Voters Still On Registry

Prosecutor Says He Will Prosecute Anyone Who Cast Vote In Dead Person's Name

POSTED: 4:53 pm EST November 3, 2006

After watching the 5 On Your Side investigation on dead voters, Cuyahoga County prosecutor Bill Mason said he will prosecute anyone who knowingly cast a vote in the place of a dead person.

In his report, NewsChannel5 chief investigator Duane Pohlman uncovered dozens of votes being cast from the grave, and Mason said the trouble is just beginning for whomever is responsible for casting votes in the name of the dead.

"This really is an attack on the entire system, and it's of paramount importance that we find out how this is happening and we stop it so it can't happen again, one, and, two, find out who's doing it, so we can prosecute them if possible," said Mason.

So-called "ghost voting" is a felony, and Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Director Michael Vu has already launched an investigation into the problem.

"We will investigate that, send it to the county prosecutor's office and determine what had occurred," Vu said.

Mason said prosecution is possible only if the investigation can prove intent.

NewsChannel5 compared the county's voter registration rolls with death records from the Social Security Administration, finding 12,688 people who have died but are still registered to vote.

Many of the dead voters passed away years ago, and a good number of them more than a decade ago.

Vu said slow reporting combined with federal rules require him to keep dead people in the registry.

"It's something that needs to be corrected," he said.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich, stunned by what was uncovered, said he will help do the correcting.

Kucinich said the investigation has convinced him to introduce a bill to clean up all voter registration rolls and close the gap on corruption.

"One thing is for sure: There is an opening here for the commission of fraud that needs to be close," he said.





Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Gastrointestinal ailments – whether temporary or chronic – can be unbearable. Learn how to recognize symptoms and treat digestive woes. More Details

In many homes the kitchen is the focal point of the entire house. Keep your kitchen up to date and meet the needs of your family’s lifestyle. More Details

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More Details

Taking care of personal finances isn’t always an easy task, and sometimes we make some major blunders. Learn to avoid those mistakes and keep your money safe. More Details

Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.

Sponsored Links

Your Credit Report

FreeCreditReport.com Experts recommend checking your credit report regularly. See where your credit stands with a FREE credit report and score!

Diet & Fitness Tools

SparkPeople
Get in the competitive spirit and lose weight! SparkPeople is challenging cities across America to get fit and we want Cleveland to lead the charge! Go to SparkCleveland.com make it happen! Join Now.
SparkPeople

Sponsor

Desktop Alert

Desktop Alert
Download FREE Desktop Alert:
- Breaking News
- Severe Weather
Click here to download!

Premium Weather

Premium Weather
How will the weather affect you? Know for sure. Monitor storms, animate your forecast, create personal alerts! Try it now! or Log in here.


Find Local Businesses