Indictment in Absentee Ballot Case Result of Joint Effort Between Secretary of State and Other Agencies

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today lauded the indictment of Chattooga County State Court Judge Carlton Vines on three felony counts involving violations of the election code. Vines was indicted September 5, 2008 on charges of illegal possession of absentee ballots, conspiracy to commit election fraud, and false swearing. The indictment follows a joint investigation by the Secretary of State’s Office and other agencies.

“Voter fraud is not going to be tolerated in Georgia. We remain committed to ensuring elections with the highest degree of integrity,” Handel said.  

Secretary Handel created the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office of Inspector General to add efficiency and professionalism to the investigations, inspections, and prosecutions processes. The Secretary of State’s Office of Inspector General oversees investigations of elections inaccuracies and fraud, investigations of securities brokers, and inspections of professional license holders.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.