In a significant development, a Nevada grand jury has indicted six Republicans, including Michael McDonald, the chair of the Nevada Republican Party, for falsely pledging the state’s electoral votes to Donald Trump in the 2020 election. The charges, related to signing false documents purporting to be legitimate electors, include “offering a false instrument for filing” and “uttering a forged instrument.”
Criminal Charges Unveiled
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, announced the indictments, marking the third state, after Michigan and Georgia, to bring criminal charges against false electors. The accused, part of so-called alternate electors, falsely claimed to represent the state’s voters in the Electoral College.
Trump’s Allies and False Electors
In December 2020, Trump’s allies orchestrated slates of false electors in seven states won by Joe Biden. The electors signed certificates falsely asserting their legitimacy, even after Trump’s legal challenges failed. The existence of these false elector slates was later used to contest Congress’ certification of the election results on January 6, 2021.
National Figures Among Defendants
The indicted individuals include prominent figures such as Michael McDonald, chair of the Nevada Republican Party, and Jim DeGraffenreid, its national committeeman. Jesse Law, chair of the Clark County Republican Party, is also facing charges. The indictment alleges that the defendants signed fake elector certificates “with the intent to defraud” U.S. government officials.
Legal Responses and Investigation
DeGraffenreid and McDonald, who both testified before the House Jan. 6 select committee, responded to some questions by pleading the Fifth. They also testified before special counsel Jack Smith’s federal grand jury, as reported by CNN in June. The Nevada Republican Party and the other defendants have not immediately responded or provided comments.
Upholding Democracy
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford emphasized the importance of challenging attacks on democracy, stating, “Today’s indictments are the product of a long and thorough investigation.” The charges underscore the commitment to ensuring accountability for attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
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