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Minnesota Woman Who Mailed Ballot for Deceased Mother Sentenced to Probation, Fine and Civic-Education Tasks

Prosecutors frame the outcome as evidence that election safeguards detected the attempted fraud.

Overview

  • Danielle Christine Miller, 51, pleaded guilty to intentionally making or signing a false certificate connected to absentee ballots.
  • Minnesota Judge Heidi Chandler ordered up to three years of supervised probation, an $885 fine, a 10-page essay on election integrity, and reading Erin Geiger Smith’s “Thank You for Voting.”
  • Two additional felony charges were dismissed at sentencing in the state’s Ninth Judicial District.
  • The investigation began after Itasca County election officials flagged two absentee ballots, including one submitted in her deceased mother’s name for President Donald Trump.
  • In her plea, Miller said she was intoxicated and could not precisely recall her actions, while County Attorney Jake Fauchald said the case shows safeguards catch attempted voter fraud.