Mobile woman accused of election fraud, forging signature of incapacitated man

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A Mobile woman has been indicted for alleged election fraud in Mobile County.

Michele Toomey, 54, faces two felonies and one misdemeanor charge.

According to the Mobile County Prosecutor’s Office, Toomey forged the signature of a man who was incapacitated.

The alleged crime took place at a nursing home where she worked, officials say.

District Attorney Keith Blackwood says anyone caught violating election laws will be prosecuted.

“The idea that someone can just fill out paperwork for someone else who can’t even consent to that and then vote for them, that’s not free and fair,” Blackwood said. “In a case where we believe election laws have been violated, we will pursue that. We’re going to continue it. I think most people in Mobile County want to have free and fair elections.”

Blackwood says this is the first possible case of election fraud in Mobile County.

According to the indictment, Toomey attempted to obtain an absentee ballot on September 26 by filling out a ballot application form.

Blackwood says the form was intended for a nursing home resident who was unable to give consent.

Toomey filled out the voter application form and then used the victim’s hand, with a pen in it, to draw an x on the signature line. And then submitted that to the court in an attempt to get a ballot, a absentee ballot, for this incapacitated victim,” Blackwood explained.

Blackwood says the victim was ruled ineligible to vote by the court due to his incapacity.

While the nursing home is not named, the district attorney says rules have been sent to employees to ensure something like this doesn’t happen.

“In an effort to ensure that no one was deprived of the right to legitimately vote, which was a good thing. However, that communication made it very clear what the law was and what would constitute a violation of the law. And that is what Ms. Toomey has alleged and is alleged to have done,” Blackwood said.

FOX10 News asked if there have been any other cases of possible election fraud at this nursing home or anywhere else in Mobile County.

He said they are not currently investigating any other cases.

Toomey was charged with voter harvesting, identity theft and forgery.

She was given a $22,000 bond.

If you have any questions about any election rules, please visit the Secretary of State of Alabama website.

As a reminder, the general election is on November 5.