Secretary of State Kemp Announces Pleas in Voter Registration Fraud Cases

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced two pleas resulting from a State Election Board case involving voter registration fraud. Jerome Jennings of Cook County has pleaded guilty to registering to vote after having been convicted of a felony and while serving a felony sentence. James David Luke, also of Cook County, entered a nolo contendre or “no contest” plea to the same charge.

“Voter registration fraud undermines the integrity, security, and fairness of our elections process. We will not tolerate voter or election fraud under any circumstances,” said Secretary Kemp.

The case was initiated in November 2007 following a complaint from Cook County Probation Officer Coleman J. Lynn. The Secretary of State’s Office of Inspector General investigated the charges of voter registration fraud, which were ultimately prosecuted by the Cook County District Attorney’s Office.

“According to the Georgia Constitution, no person who has been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude may register to vote until their sentence is completed. Georgia election law further stipulates that any person who registers to vote but is not qualified to do so shall be guilty of a felony,” stated Cathy Harris Helms, Cook County District Attorney.

Secretary Kemp added, “I commend Officer Lynn, our agency’s Office of Inspector General, the State Election Board and the Cook County District Attorney’s Office for their efforts to report, investigate and prosecute these cases of voter registration fraud.”

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. 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.

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