Warrants obtained for fraudulent signatures on petitions in Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office announced there is an investigation into fraudulent signatures on petitions submitted.
According to LSO, investigators believe circulators have been collecting fraudulent signatures. After collecting fraudulent signatures, they then had those signatures notarized and submitted the petitions for ballot measures.
Arrest warrants have been obtained. Five suspects have been arrested in Nevada, Florida, Washington D.C. and Missouri.
LSO said they are working with U.S. Marshals Service to locate the suspects in the investigation.
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said the resources to investigate the situation are being used.
“The Office of the Attorney General takes petition fraud allegations seriously and will work with partnered agencies to root it out wherever it may be found and bring those who commit it to justice. We are committed to protecting the integrity of the petition process and maintaining public trust,” Hilgers said. “When credible information arises, we dedicate the resources needed to examine each situation thoroughly. Our office enforces election laws without bias, fear, or favor.”
Gov. Jim Pillen released a statement saying Nebraskans have been harassed on the streets by petitioners.
“Like most Nebraskans, I am deeply troubled by the reports breaking today of historic fraud in connection with signature-gathering campaigns in recent weeks. The Legislature made a terrible decision in 2015 when it repealed the prohibition on paid signature gathering,” Pillen said. “The results have been Nebraskans being harassed on the street by in-state and out-of-state signature gatherers, skyrocketing payouts per signature, and outright criminal activity. I call on the Legislature to reform this system and to restore the ban on pay-per-signature. I’m grateful to the law enforcement who are protecting our election system and investigating this election fraud, and expect those responsible at every level to be held accountable to the fullest extent under the law.”
