Alabama State Representative David Cole, a Republican from Huntsville, was apprehended Tuesday on allegations of voter fraud.
Madison County Jail documents revealed that Cole is facing charges related to casting a vote in a location where he was not a registered resident.
This dramatic development arises in the wake of claims suggesting that the representative might not actually reside in the very district he represents, according to a report from The Associated Press (AP).
The specifics surrounding the charge remain undisclosed in the court files.
Representative Cole, who boasts a reputable background as both a medical professional and an Army veteran, secured a seat in the House of Representatives just the previous year.
Alabama’s stance on voter fraud is stringent, with violators potentially facing a Class C felony, which can result in a prison sentence of up to a decade.
Confirming Cole’s prosecution, a representative from the Alabama attorney general’s office remarked, “Voter fraud is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.”
Speaker of the House, Nathaniel Ledbetter, was quick to address the controversy.
“In recent years, the Alabama House has prioritized legislation that promotes election integrity, and we believe that any allegation of fraud must be addressed regardless of the party, public official, or candidate involved,” he said.
The entire situation was brought into the limelight following an election challenge lodged by Elijah Boyd, the Libertarian contender for the district.
Boyd contested that Cole lacked residency in District 10, rendering him ineligible to serve the district’s constituents.
The current legal representation for Cole in this criminal proceeding remains unidentified, AP notes.
While he had legal representation in the previous election challenge, that attorney will not be defending him in this case.
After his arrest, Cole was granted release on bond, as indicated by jail records.
