The criminal case against former Alaska state Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux revolves around allegations of voter misconduct and unlawful interference with voting during the 2018 election campaigns.
The case specifically examines whether LeDoux pressured individuals, including her aide Lisa Simpson and Simpson’s son Caden Vaught, to improperly register to vote in LeDoux’s district, despite living elsewhere.
LeDoux faces five felony and seven misdemeanor charges related to this issue. Prosecutors argue that she knowingly encouraged Simpson and Vaught to use incorrect addresses on their voter registrations to gain votes for her.
Chief Assistant Attorney General Jenna Gruenstein emphasized the importance of adhering to election laws and claimed that LeDoux disregarded these rules in pursuit of securing votes.
In defense, LeDoux’s attorney, Kevin Fitzgerald, maintains that LeDoux did not intentionally break the law but instead believed she was complying with it based on her understanding at the time. He argued that the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that LeDoux had the requisite intent to violate election laws.
LeDoux, who served as a House member for various districts between 2005 and 2021, testified that she believed Simpson and Vaught’s legal residences for voting were in her district. However, her legal background, which focused on personal injury law rather than election law, was scrutinized by the prosecution.
The trial has been contentious, with both sides accusing each other of inappropriate arguments, particularly during discussions of the voter residency law. The case now awaits jury deliberation after a week of legal arguments.
The outcome hinges on whether the jury believes LeDoux’s actions were an intentional violation of election law or a misunderstanding of the rules.