Arizona City Appoints Democrat Ballot Harvester as Vice Mayor
Democrat Official Appointed Vice Mayor Despite Illegal Ballot Harvesting Conviction
A Democrat official who previously pleaded guilty to illegal ballot harvesting was appointed as vice mayor of San Luis, Arizona, last month.
During its Dec. 13 meeting, the locality’s city council voted in a 4-3 decision to appoint Gloria Torres as vice mayor, a motion recommended by outgoing Vice Mayor Luis E. Cabrera. While the city council’s press release noted Torres’ history of serving as a councilwoman since 2000, it neglected to mention her role in an illegal ballot harvesting scheme during Arizona’s 2020 primary elections.
In October 2022, Torres was charged by then-Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s office with two counts related to illegal ballot harvesting. According to the indictment, Torres “knowingly collected [seven] voted or unvoted early ballots” from a third party for the state’s August 2020 primaries. Under Arizona law, “only a family member, someone from their household or a caregiver of the voter can return an early ballot for them.”
Torres ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges and entered a plea agreement with now-Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office in June 2023. As part of the agreement — which was approved by the Yuma County Superior Court that same month — one of Torres’ charges was downgraded to a misdemeanor while the other was dropped altogether. In return, Torres was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine to the Arizona AG’s office.
The San Luis City Council’s decision to appoint Torres — a convicted criminal — as vice mayor comes at a time when Americans’ confidence in U.S. elections is fragile. Following the 2020 election, which was wrought with outside interference from federal intel agencies, Big Tech censorship, “Zuckbucks,” and more, many citizens have become extremely concerned about the integrity of the electoral process going forward. Appointing an individual such as Torres to such a high-ranking position is unlikely to ease those concerns.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
What message does the San Luis City Council send to the public by appointing Torres as vice mayor despite her conviction in an election-related crime
Ns is already shaky. The appointment of someone with a history of illegal ballot harvesting raises concerns about the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
Illegal ballot harvesting refers to the practice of collecting and submitting ballots on behalf of others without their knowledge or consent. It is a violation of election laws designed to protect the sanctity of the voting process. By collecting ballots from individuals who are not eligible to handle them, such as family members or caregivers, the potential for fraud and manipulation increases significantly.
Gloria Torres’ involvement in an illegal ballot harvesting scheme during Arizona’s 2020 primary elections is deeply troubling. The indictment against her states that she knowingly collected seven voted or unvoted early ballots from a third party, an action that directly violated Arizona law. It is noteworthy that under the plea agreement, one of the charges was downgraded to a misdemeanor, and the other was dropped altogether. This raises questions about the severity of the consequences faced by those who engage in illegal ballot harvesting.
The decision by the San Luis City Council to appoint Torres as vice mayor sends a concerning message to the public. It suggests a lack of regard for the rule of law and disregard for the importance of fair and transparent elections. By rewarding someone with a conviction in an election-related crime, the council undermines the trust and confidence that citizens should have in their elected representatives.
Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, and it is crucial that those who hold public office maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. The appointment of a former convicted criminal to a position of leadership is a step in the wrong direction. It erodes trust in the electoral process, undermines the legitimacy of elected officials, and undermines the fundamental principles of democracy.
As citizens, we should demand better from our elected officials. It is our responsibility to support measures that strengthen the integrity of our elections and hold those who violate election laws accountable. By doing so, we can ensure that our democracy remains strong and that the will of the people is truly reflected in our elected leaders.
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