Federal Arrest Over 2022 Mail-In Ballot Fraud Scheme

Summary

In New Jersey, political operative Craig Callaway, known for his vote-turnout expertise, faces felony charges for mail and ballot fraud. Callaway, a former Atlantic City council president, allegedly paid individuals to act as unauthorized messengers for mail-in ballots, misrepresenting voters' wishes. The indictment reveals a scheme that potentially manipulated the 2022 general election, casting doubt on the integrity of the democratic process and prompting calls for legislative reform.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Craig Callaway, a political operative and former Atlantic City council president, was arrested on felony mail and ballot fraud charges.
• 📬 Callaway was known for his expertise in mail and ballots, and was once described as a 'vote turnout expert' at a fundraiser event.
• 📈 He has a history of working with both Democratic and Republican candidates, depending on who he believed best represented his views.
• 🗳️ Callaway is recognized as one of the best get-out-the-vote organizers in America, with a significant impact on local elections.
• 💼 His work was lucrative, with Congressman Jeff Van Drew paying him $135,000 for a few months of work leading up to the November 2020 election.
• 📊 Callaway was arrested for alleged voter fraud related to the November 8th, 2022 general election, involving fraudulent mail and ballots.
• 🤝 He allegedly paid individuals to act as unauthorized messengers for mail-in ballots, without the voters' knowledge or consent.
• 🛑 The indictment details a scheme where Callaway and his associates instructed messengers to submit mail-in ballots to them instead of the actual voters.
• 🚫 The practice of paying people to act as ballot messengers is currently not illegal in New Jersey, leading to calls for new legislation.
• 📋 The charges against Callaway carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty.
• 📆 Callaway is currently free on a $50,000 unsecured bond and is awaiting trial.

Q & A

Who is Craig Callaway and what is his background?

Craig Callaway is a political operative who was the former president of the Atlantic City city council. Born in 1959 in Atlantic City, he worked as a PBX operator and hotel clerk before moving to the municipal office of Atlantic City government. He is known for his work with merchants, taxi and parking lot owners, many of whom were immigrants from Asian countries. Callaway is recognized as a vote turnout expert and has been involved in local politics, supporting candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties.

What is the significance of Craig Callaway's role in local elections?

Craig Callaway is known for his influence in local elections. He has been successful in electing candidates he works for, regardless of their party affiliation. His vote turnout techniques have been recognized nationally, and he has been involved in various campaigns, including those for mayoral and congressional elections.

What charges has Craig Callaway been arrested for?

Craig Callaway has been arrested on felony mail and ballot fraud charges. These charges stem from his operations in Atlantic City, particularly related to his work on mail and ballots during the November 8th, 2022 general election.

What was the nature of the alleged fraud involving Craig Callaway?

The indictment alleges that Callaway and others approached individuals in Atlantic City, promising to pay them $30 to $50 to act as pre-prepared authorized messengers for voters who supposedly wished to vote by mail. These messengers were given applications filled out by Callaway or his subordinates and were instructed to submit these at the county clerk's office. The indictment claims that many of the mail and ballots collected by Callaway were cast in the names of people who did not authorize them to do so.

What was the process described in the indictment for the alleged fraud?

The process involved Callaway and his subordinates recruiting individuals to act as messengers, transporting them to the county clerk's office, and providing them with identification to complete the authorized messenger portion of the vote by mail application. These messengers would then submit the applications, wait for approval, and receive mail-in ballots. Instead of delivering these ballots to the actual voters, they would hand them back to Callaway or his subordinates in the parking lot.

What is the maximum penalty for the charges against Craig Callaway?

The charges against Craig Callaway for procuring, casting, and tabulating fraudulent ballots carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

What was the role of the messengers in the alleged fraud?

The messengers were allegedly paid by Callaway to act as runners. They would submit absentee ballot applications at the county clerk's office, wait for them to be processed, and then receive real mail-in ballots. Instead of delivering these ballots to the voters, they would hand them directly to Callaway or his subordinates in the parking lot.

How did the Atlantic County Republican Party respond to Callaway's arrest?

The chairman of the Atlantic County Republican Party, Michael Sullan, released a statement acknowledging that candidates from both parties had hired Callaway in the past. He also stated that he would use Callaway's arrest as an opportunity to lobby for new laws banning the practice of paying people to act as ballot messengers.

What is the current status of Craig Callaway after his arrest?

As of the time the script was written, Craig Callaway is free after posting a $50,000 unsecured bond. He has not issued any statements on the matter and is awaiting trial.

What is the broader implication of this case on the electoral process in New Jersey?

The case highlights potential vulnerabilities in the electoral process, particularly in the area of mail-in voting. It has sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations and possibly new laws to prevent similar instances of fraud in the future.