Wisconsin man charged with voting multiple times claims amnesia
The old phrase “vote early and vote often” is associated with the corrupt political machines that were active in many major cities during the 19th century. In the last couple of years, one Wisconsin voter may have taken that phrase to heart, allegedly exercising his civic duty multiple times in four elections, including in 2012 when he allegedly cast five ballots in Governor Scott Walker’s recall election.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported last week that Robert Monroe, a 50-year-old health insurance executive from Shorewood, Wisconsin, has been charged with 13 counts of voter fraud. Monroe is accused of voting five times during a 2012 recall election that saw Walker, who Monroe publicly supported, prevail over his opponent comfortably. Monroe is also accused of casting two ballots in the November 2012 presidential election, as well as two ballots in an April 2011 Supreme Court race in which incumbent David Prosser prevailed over Joanne Kloppenburg by a razor-thin margin after a recount.
According to the Journal Sentinel, Monroe has claimed he has temporary amnesia, and does not recall those elections.
“During 2011 and 2012, the defendant, Robert Monroe, became especially focused upon political issues and causes, including especially the recall elections,” the complaint states. Monroe is accused of using multiple home addresses and aliases to pull off his scheme.
Monroe and his son, Benjamin, were swept in a secret “John Doe” probe in Milwaukee. According to the Journal Sentinel, the probe that caught Monroe is unrelated to an ongoing campaign-spending probe against Walker.
According to WisPolitics.com, investigators believe that Monroe is the most active multiple voter in recent memory. If convicted, Monroe could face up to 45 ½ years in prison and $130,000 in fines. He would also lose his right to vote. “We have some strategies we’re not looking to disclose at this time,” said Monroe’s attorney, Franklyn Gimbel of Milwaukee, to the Journal Sentinel.
Hat tip: Above the Law.
