Alabama lawmaker arrested for voter fraud

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — An Alabama lawmaker was arrested on Tuesday for voter fraud, accusing him of voting in a district where he did not live.

Republican Rep. David Cole of Huntsville was arrested for voting at an unauthorized location, according to Madison County Jail records. Details of the charge were not immediately available in court records, but the arrest comes after accusations that Cole did not live in the district from which he was elected.

Cole, a doctor and army veteran, was elected to the House of Representatives last year.

Voter fraud is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The Alabama attorney general’s office is pursuing the case against Cole, a spokeswoman confirmed.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter released a statement on Tuesday saying he had learned of Cole’s arrest and was waiting to hear more.

“In recent years, the Alabama House has prioritized legislation that promotes electoral integrity, and we believe that any allegations of fraud should be addressed regardless of the party, public official, or candidate involved,” Ledbetter said.

Elijah Boyd, the Libertarian candidate in the district, had filed an election challenge in civil court, arguing that Cole did not live in District 10 and was not eligible to represent the district.

Court records were not immediately available to show whether Cole had an attorney to speak on his behalf. His lawyer in the election challenge does not represent him in the criminal case. Cole was released on bail, according to prison records.