County supervisor candidate accused of filing false papers, fraudulent voting
Charges relate to alleged actions during the March 5 primary election cycle
– The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office filed charges on Sept. 11 against Michelle Marie Morrow, 55, of Grover Beach, for voter registration fraud, filing a false declaration of candidacy, fraudulent voting, and perjury by declaration. The charges relate to alleged actions during the March 5 primary election cycle.
Morrow is accused of registering to vote at an address where she did not live. On Feb. 16, she allegedly submitted paperwork to run for the District 3 seat on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, while residing in District 4. She did so under penalty of perjury. It is also alleged that on March 5, she voted in District 3, despite living in District 4.
The felony complaint, filed in Superior Court, charges Morrow with one count of voter registration fraud in violation of Elections Code Section 18100(a), one count of filing false nomination or declaration papers in violation of Elections Code Section 18203, one count of perjury by declaration in violation of Penal Code Section 118(a), and one count of fraudulent voting in violation of Elections Code Section 18560(a).
Morrow posted bond with the Superior Court on Sept. 12 and is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 10 in Department 3. A conviction for these crimes may result in probation, county jail confinement, or confinement in state prison.
The case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity Unit of the District Attorney’s Office, which was founded in 2015 to hold elected officials, public employees, and candidates accountable to the law.
A criminal complaint contains charges that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A copy of the complaint can be accessed here.
Elaina Cano, County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, issued the following statement regarding the charges against Morrow:
“I am aware of the charges being brought against Ms. Morrow, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, this will be my only comment.
There is nothing my office takes more seriously than upholding the law and conducting local elections that adhere to California Elections Code. The subject of election security has become a hot topic in recent months and years, both nationally and here at home. I appreciate the passion community members have for transparency in the elections process, and I also appreciate that, when warranted, local law enforcement gets involved. SLO County has a proven track record of safe, secure, and accurate elections. In any instance in which an individual or individuals attempt to corrupt the process, my office will work with law enforcement to thoroughly investigate and ensure that justice is served. Maintaining the integrity of our elections is our top priority, and we will continue to safeguard the voting process for all county residents, ensuring that every valid vote is counted and that any fraudulent activity is addressed swiftly and appropriately.”
Cano concluded by stating that this would be her only comment regarding the matter.
