In a significant development ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, a Queens man has been indicted for allegedly submitting 20 falsified absentee ballot applications for the Democratic primary in 2022. The indictment was announced by the Queens County District Attorney’s office, emphasizing the importance of election integrity.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Abdul Rahman from Queen’s Floral Park neighborhood, could potentially face up to seven years in prison if found guilty on the 140 charges against him. Rahman, described as a man active in Democrat and South Asian circles by outlet the Gothamist, is accused of casting 20 fraudulent ballots in August 2022.
According to prosecutors, Rahman had applied to collect 118 ballots for voters in the area and gained approval for 32 of the 118 ballot applications. The district attorney’s office did not disclose which candidates received support from the fraudulent ballots Rahman allegedly cast.
The investigation unfolded when one voter, Jordan Sandke, discovered that his absentee ballot had been picked up by Rahman, despite him not submitting or authorizing the application. Further interviews with other voters listed on the ballot applications revealed that none of them had authorized Rahman to collect their ballots.
Highlighting the significance of this case, Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of elections. “Every vote has to count. Election integrity is the foundation of a viable, working democracy. We will vigorously prosecute anyone who threatens in any way to undermine that integrity,” Katz stated.
The Board of Elections in the City of New York commended the investigation carried out by the Queens District Attorney’s Office and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the integrity of elections. Vincent Ignizio, the Board of Elections Deputy Executive Director, expressed gratitude to District Attorney Melinda Katz and her staff for their efforts in uncovering this election integrity issue.
Abdul Rahman now faces numerous charges, including falsifying business records, criminal possession of a forged instrument, illegal voting, and offering false instruments for filing. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison. Rahman has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court on January 30, 2024.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of election security and the commitment of law enforcement and government agencies to protect the democratic process. As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, ensuring the integrity of elections remains a crucial responsibility for all Americans.
