Federal official rejects voter fraud in South Dakota

### December 15, 2010

PIERRE, South Dakota: Allegations of voter fraud in this year's South Dakota general elections have been found not worthy of federal prosecution by US Attorney Brendan Johnson.[1]

South Dakota Democrats and Republicans filed similar complaints against each other in October with allegations that food was offered in exchange for votes at campaign events. Republicans fired the first shot by filing a complaint against Democrats on October 14th because of food being offered at Democratic campaign events on Native American reservations. Two weeks later Democrats filed similar complaints against Republicans based on food being offered at a Republican get-out-the-vote event in Rapid City.[1]

Johnson said that after looking at the facts surrounding both allegations and reviewing the matter with Department of Justice voting rights experts that no laws appear to have been violated. "It appears as though an individual could have obtained them and ultimately decided not to vote."[1]

Among the politicians who were accused of using food to attract votes were Stephanie Sandlin (D), Dennis Daugaard (R) and Jamie Boomgarden (R).

According to Lucas Lentsch, executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party, the issue will likely become part of the next South Dakota legislative session, which begins on January 11, 2011.

## See also

* South Dakota State Senate
* South Dakota House of Representatives

## Footnotes

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 'Argus Leader, "No charges of fraud in voter rallies offering food," December 15, 2010

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