A judge in Monroe County, Alabama has ordered a special election in Frisco City after a lawsuit and criminal charges related to alleged voter fraud in last year’s municipal election.
Jack Weaver, a judge in the Monroe County Circuit Court, signed a consent decree requiring the town to hold a new election to determine who will serve as mayor and represent District One on the town council.
During a hearing on March 11, Weaver instructed town officials to create a reliable voter list that identifies all registered and eligible voters. Officials must also produce a district map showing which residents belong to each voting district.
The judge further ruled that anyone who worked during the disputed August municipal election will not be allowed to participate in administering the upcoming special election.
Town officials have 45 days to complete the updated voter and district lists. Once the lists are finalized and reviewed by the court, Weaver said he will set a date for the special election to ensure residents can choose their mayor as soon as possible.
The court order follows a lawsuit filed by former mayor Allen Lang, who alleged that 131 illegal absentee ballots were cast in the August election. According to court records, Lang lost the race to Brandaun Love, who received 255 votes, compared to Lang’s 165 votes.
The controversy intensified after three women from Monroe County—Samantha Kyles, Sarah Bennett, and Sharon Denson—were indicted on voter fraud charges. Court documents allege the women filled out 20 illegal absentee ballots during the Frisco City election.
Officials confirmed that Bennett previously worked as a security guard at the Monroe County Courthouse, with her final day on March 4. Meanwhile, Kyles has worked as a judicial assistant for Donna Silcox, a district judge in the county.
Judge Silcox declined to comment on whether Kyles is still employed in her office, citing judicial ethics rules.
In a statement, Silcox said Alabama judges are prohibited by judicial ethics guidelines from publicly commenting on ongoing legal cases.
