The Department of Justice has warned state election officials that they could face criminal prosecution and prison time for failing to preserve election records required under federal law, according to letters obtained by ABC News.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter sent the letters to state election leaders Thursday, reminding them of their obligation to retain ballots, pollbooks, precinct sign-in sheets and other election-related materials.
McCotter emphasized that failure to comply with federal record-retention requirements is a criminal offense, writing, “It is a crime to willfully fail to comply.” He warned that violations are punishable by up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
