CLAY COUNTY, AL — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction of Terry Andrew Heflin, a former Democratic candidate for the Clay County Commission District 5 seat, on charges of absentee ballot fraud related to his campaign for public office.
Heflin pleaded guilty to one count of absentee ballot fraud, a Class C felony under Alabama law. According to the Attorney General’s Office, Heflin admitted to illegally requesting and completing an absentee ballot on behalf of another voter, without the voter’s knowledge or consent. He then directed the ballot to be mailed to his own post office box and submitted it as a legitimate vote during his election campaign.
The court sentenced Heflin to one year and one day in prison, with a split sentence requiring him to serve 15 days in jail. He was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
“Voter fraud is a direct attack on our democratic process, and it will not be ignored or excused in Alabama,” said Attorney General Marshall in a public statement. “When someone cheats the system to steal a vote, they are stealing the voice of their fellow citizens. This conviction sends a clear and unmistakable message: if you undermine our elections by committing voter fraud, you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted.”
Marshall credited the Special Prosecutions Division of his office for leading the case and also acknowledged the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office for its role in the investigation and successful prosecution.
The case highlights ongoing state-level efforts to monitor and prosecute election-related offenses in Alabama.
