Redding, California—Allegations of voter fraud have surfaced following a controversial Reddit post by a local man, prompting the Shasta County Registrar of Voters to escalate the matter to the District Attorney’s office. The individual, identified as 70-year-old Charles Pierce, allegedly boasted online about voting multiple times in the 2024 election.
The incident gained traction after Reddit user ‘ManCow2000’ made comments claiming he had voted for four individuals using mail-in ballots belonging to former tenants. This now-deleted account sparked outrage among community members, leading some to investigate further. Concerned users reported Pierce to the FBI, fearing a significant breach of electoral integrity.
Upon receiving numerous inquiries, KRCR contacted the Shasta County Registrar of Voters, Tom Toller. He confirmed that his office was made aware of the allegations and has referred the case to the District Attorney for further investigation. Toller emphasized the seriousness of such claims, stating, “We take claims of election fraud very seriously. They impact the fairness and impartiality of our elections, affecting every registered voter in the county.”
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The District Attorney’s office echoed this sentiment, noting that they frequently receive allegations of voter fraud from the Registrar of Voters. They investigate these claims thoroughly, often leading to educational outreach to ensure compliance with electoral laws. In appropriate cases, they may pursue criminal charges. A spokesperson mentioned, “The registrar of voters has referred the allegations against Charles Pierce to my office. No further information is available at this time.”
Under California election code 18500, voter fraud can result in a prison sentence of up to three years, with offenders losing their voting rights while incarcerated. Additionally, federal law, specifically U.S. Code 42 Section 1973, criminalizes voting more than once, with potential penalties including a five-year federal prison sentence.
While Pierce maintains that he did not commit voter fraud, claiming his online comments were merely intended to provoke discussion, he has agreed to participate in an interview with KRCR next week. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the vigilance needed to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, especially as the nation prepares for the upcoming election.
