LAFAYETTE, LA – A unanimous, 6-person jury in the 15th
Judicial District Court today convicted a Crowley woman on an election fraud
charge.
Delores Handy was found guilty of violating LA.RS.
18:1461.7(A)(3) when she purposefully failed to mark an elderly voter’s ballot in the manner
dictated by said voter.
“Maintaining voter integrity is the cornerstone of free and
fair elections. My office will continue to protect this process and our most
vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General Jeff Landry. “I applaud AAG Joseph
LeBeau and AAG John Russell for their efforts to protect Louisiana voters.
Today’s conviction further supports my belief that every valid, legal vote cast
should be counted.”
“Voter fraud undermines the very foundation of our democracy
and is all the more egregious when perpetrated against vulnerable populations
like elderly voters,” added Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. “Close cooperation
with the Attorney General's office resulted in today's conviction, which serves
as a reminder that election integrity matters in Louisiana, and every
allegation of voter fraud is taken seriously.”
Though the offense occurred in Acadia Parish, the case was
transferred to Lafayette Parish by motion of the defendant.
Handy is now facing a fine of not more than one thousand
dollars or one year in prison, or both. She is scheduled to be sentenced by
Judge Jules Edwards, III on September 24, 2020.