West Palm Beach Attorney Files Election Fraud Complaints Against DeSantis Appointees
West Palm Beach, FL – A local attorney has taken steps against two officials appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, accusing them of using their positions to influence the upcoming election regarding a proposed constitutional amendment related to abortion. The attorney, Adam Richardson, lodged a second complaint on Tuesday with the Florida Department of State, claiming that Erik Dellenback violated state laws by misrepresenting his role at an event aimed at defeating Amendment 4.
Who is Involved?
The two key figures in this controversy are Erik Dellenback, serving as DeSantis’ liaison for faith and communities, and Jason Weida, the Secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Dellenback is accused of speaking on behalf of the governor at a campaign event against Amendment 4, which intends to broaden abortion access in Florida.
What are the Allegations?
The allegations stem from Dellenback’s remarks at a church in Tallahassee, where he thanked attendees for showing up to the “Vote No on 4” event. Richardson claims this action infringes upon Florida law that prohibits state employees from utilizing their official positions to interfere with election processes.
Similarly, Richardson filed another complaint on Sunday against Jason Weida, referencing AHCA’s statement regarding the proposed amendment. The agency’s communication indicated that the amendment “threatens women’s safety,” which Richardson contends may also violate election laws.
Where and When Did This Occur?
The complaints were filed at the Florida Department of State, with Dellenback’s complaint being submitted on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, following the event on October 14. The event took place at a Tallahassee church, targeting voters regarding the proposed Amendment 4.
Why is This Significant?
The proposed amendment aims to protect abortion rights in Florida by asserting that “no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health.” This amendment is pivotal in the ongoing national discussion about reproductive rights and access to abortion services.
The Florida Department of State is authorized to conduct initial investigations into such complaints. However, no officials have indicated if an investigation will be launched in response to Richardson’s claims. A spokesperson for the department did not provide immediate comments regarding the complaints.
Previous Attempt at Addressing Election Interference
This is not the first time Richardson has raised concerns about election interference. He previously filed a complaint accusing DeSantis, Weida, and Attorney General Ashley Moody of similar misconduct concerning Amendment 4. However, the Florida Supreme Court did not permit Richardson, as an individual citizen, to initiate criminal charges against the state officials.
Next Steps
While the state can investigate the complaints further, Richardson has informed the public that he has not been contacted by the Department of State regarding his latest allegations. As the election approaches, the implications of these complaints could influence public perception and voter sentiment about the proposed amendment.
In a state where reproductive rights are a contentious issue, these allegations raise questions about the conduct of public officials and the integrity of the electoral process.
