Montgomery, AL – Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has emphasized the state’s commitment to election integrity following the arrest and indictment of Terry Heflin from Clay County, Alabama, on charges of felony absentee ballot fraud. Heflin has been charged with seven felony counts related to absentee ballot fraud, and if convicted, he could face several years in prison and significant fines.
Secretary Allen, who has long spoken about the importance of addressing absentee ballot fraud, reiterated his stance on the issue. “I have been traveling this state and talking about absentee ballot application fraud and absentee ballot election fraud for years. I have been clear from day one that I take election fraud seriously, and I was not kidding,” Allen stated. “When my office was made aware of what was happening in Clay County, we immediately referred the case to Attorney General Marshall for criminal prosecution.”
The Secretary of State’s office, in collaboration with the Alabama Attorney General’s office and local law enforcement in Clay County, worked together to investigate the case, ultimately securing a felony election fraud indictment. Secretary Allen commended the efforts of all parties involved, saying, “All parties involved did an excellent job preparing and securing a felony election fraud indictment. Because of the work of our team at the Secretary of State’s office, Attorney General Marshall’s team, and the local law enforcement in Clay County, Alabama elections are safer and more secure.”
Secretary Allen also underscored the state’s commitment to enforcing election laws and holding violators accountable. “Alabama law provides strong protections for our elections and imposes penalties on those who violate the law. We will continue to refer cases of election fraud to the Attorney General for criminal prosecution,” he said. Allen added that the indictment of Terry Heflin sends a clear message to those contemplating breaking Alabama election law: “We will find you and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
