Current:Home > Contact-usAn appeals court dismisses charges against a Michigan election worker who downloaded a voter list-LoTradeCoin
An appeals court dismisses charges against a Michigan election worker who downloaded a voter list
View Date:2024-12-23 19:45:30
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.
Holkeboer, a Republican, told investigators that he downloaded information about voters because he wanted to compare it to lists he was seeking under a separate public records request, according to a summary of the case.
Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons, who oversees elections, said she’s in favor of an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.
“This breach of public trust must be addressed,” she said.
veryGood! (24)
Related
- The Cowboys, claiming to be 'all in' prior to Dak Prescott's injury, are in a rare spot: Irrelevance
- Venezuela vs. Argentina live updates: Watch Messi play World Cup qualifying match tonight
- The Fate of Nobody Wants This Season 2 Revealed
- Reba McEntire's got a friend in Carole King: Duo teamed on 'Happy's Place' theme song
- Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn ends retirement, plans to return to competition
- Photos capture Milton's damage to Tropicana Field, home of Tampa Bay Rays: See the aftermath
- Trial opens of Serb gunmen accused of attacking Kosovo police
- Watch dad break down when Airman daughter returns home for his birthday after 3 years
- Jessica Simpson’s Sister Ashlee Simpson Addresses Eric Johnson Breakup Speculation
- WNBA Finals Game 1: Lynx pull off 18-point comeback, down Liberty in OT
Ranking
- NATO’s Rutte calls for more Western support for Ukraine, warns of Russian alliances
- Far from landfall, Florida's inland counties and east coast still battered by Milton
- Tigers ready to 'fight and claw' against Guardians in decisive Game 5 of ALDS
- Justin Timberlake Shares Update Days After Suffering Injury and Canceling Show
- Engines on 1.4 million Honda vehicles might fail, so US regulators open an investigation
- What happened between Stephen and Monica on 'Love is Blind'? And what is a sleep test?
- Lizzo Breaks Down What She Eats in a Day Amid Major Lifestyle Change
- A man charged in the killing of a Georgia nursing student faces hearing as trial looms
Recommendation
-
Caitlin Clark shanks tee shot, nearly hits fans at LPGA's The Annika pro-am
-
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards Is Coming to E!: All the Details
-
Hurricane Threat Poised to Keep Rising, Experts Warn
-
Watch miracle rescue of pup wedged in car bumper that hit him
-
Democratic state leaders prepare for a tougher time countering Trump in his second term
-
What happened between Stephen and Monica on 'Love is Blind'? And what is a sleep test?
-
US consumer sentiment slips in October on frustration over high prices
-
Abortion has passed inflation as the top election issue for women under 30, survey finds