An Alabama Republican state lawmaker was arrested Tuesday on felony voter fraud charges, allegedly voting in a district where he did not live.

According to Madison County Jail records, Republican Rep. David Cole of Huntsville was arrested for fraud-voting at multiple or unauthorized locations.

“In recent years, the Alabama House has prioritized legislation that promotes election integrity, and we believe that any allegation of fraud must be addressed regardless of the party, public official, or candidate involved,” Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said in a statement.

The Associated Press reports:

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

Court records were not immediately available to show if Cole has an attorney to speak on his behalf. His attorney in the election challenge is not representing him in the criminal case. Cole was released on bond, according to jail records.

Cole was elected to the state House of Representatives last year.

“Voter fraud is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison,” AP noted.

WATCH:

WAFF noted:

In 2022, questions of Cole’s residency were raised before the election as it was discovered that he signed a rental agreement in Nov. 2021 just days before the filing deadline.

In May 2023, a nearly three-hour-long deposition was conducted for Cole brought by Libertarian Elijah Boyd at the Alabama State House.

Cole was booked into the Madison County Jail and has since been released on a $2,500 bond.

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