A Mobile woman, Michele Toomey, has been accused of forging the signature of an incapacitated nursing home resident on a voter application form to secure an absentee ballot.
Toomey, 54, who works at the nursing home where the victim resides, was arrested on October 25th and faces charges of voter harvesting, forgery, and identity theft.
Authorities report that Toomey filled out the application form, placed a pen in the hand of the incapacitated individual, and directed him to sign with an “X” on the signature line. Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood expressed concern over the situation, stating, “The idea that someone can fill out paperwork for someone who cannot even consent and then attempt to vote for them is not free and fair.”
Blackwood emphasized the importance of upholding election laws, stating, “In cases where we believe election laws have been violated, we will pursue and prosecute them. Most people in Mobile County want a fair election.”
While the nursing home involved has not been named, the District Attorney noted that guidelines had been provided to employees to prevent incidents like this from occurring.
Toomey was released on a $22,000 bond shortly after her arrest.