What Is Voter Fraud and How Is It Committed?

Voter fraud does occur within the United States, but there are many myths and lies that circulate every election term when the outcomes are not what the public feels the voting should conclude with. It is important to know what voter fraud is and how those involved perpetuate these actions throughout the years.

Myths about voter fraud abound in greater frequency when elections that may appear complicated take place. Most voter fraud explained by the media or those feeling affected by it encounter other instances that cause problems. These usually include clerical errors, software issues and data matching practices that are not beneficial to the process. The research behind voter fraud itself finds that instances of actual criminal incidents are less than one percent of all documented cases. However, when the voter fraud crimes do occur, the consequences may lead to devastating results. It is often necessary to hire a lawyer when suspected of committing voter fraud.
Voter Fraud Explained
Manipulating the results of an election, rigging the votes and electoral fraud all consist of voter fraud crimes. These are illegal and interfere with the process of legitimate elections. Some attempt to increase the votes to favorite candidates and others attempt to decrease the votes to the possible elected officials they do not like. When taking part in these illegal acts, the individual may use manual or electronic means. Some work in concert with others, and an inside job is possible when those hired for election processes want to alter the possible results. There are clear consequences and taking part may lead to severe fines or jail time.

Voter Fraud Consequences
Voter fraud by American citizens and immigrants does occur. However, the consequences are usually severe enough that many shy away from even attempting these actions. Sometimes, a resident of one state may vote in another without changing his or her registration details. Claims of voter fraud are generally much greater than the actual incidents themselves. The tiny amount of fraud that does occur federally is usually so little in comparison of the billion ballots cast that the outcome is primarily untouched. However, that tenth of a percent could in essence change local, city and state elections even marginally. The consequences of this smaller voter fraud could cause an elected official’s instatement into office when the opposing party should have received the win.

The nationwide comparison of how many instances of voter fraud to the ballots cast is negligible. The documented and researched cases are so infinitesimal that the results have little to no bearing. The consequences of state elections and the induction of additional Congress members may change things locally. When more voters and citizens in a state count the number higher, more members of Congress will exist. This could affect city and state laws and change the legislation parameters in a smaller but more profound way. Then, those discovered taking part in voter fraud may face severe consequences that could result in a lifechanging impact.
How to Commit Voter Fraud
It is easy to take part in most elections. However, for a person to commit voter fraud, he or she needs to have dedication, energy and time. Many require more than a little intelligence in understanding how the software works in larger elections and where to access the ballots in smaller voting processes. Many are able to commit the crimes when working in perfect concert with other trusted individuals. By switching out ballots or hacking into the programs, a person may change the outcome of a small scale or largescale voting operation. However, when trusting the wrong person or having less understanding of the software, the individual may face criminal charges for participation.

If the person is part of a conspiracy, there may exist multiple members seeking to ensure the outcome is a positive one for the group. This could entail one person with hacking into the software, another infiltrating the election campaign and someone else assisting with ballot counting or changes. It is important that no one is caught, or everyone may end up facing possible criminal convictions for voter fraud.
Criminal Defense in Voter Fraud Crimes
When the local or federal authorities have reasonable belief that someone is taking part in voter fraud, he or she may face serious charges. It is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer to attempt to prevent conviction and possible federal prison terms. By protecting the rights of the client, it may be possible to mitigate the damage.