Secretary of State says voter fraud claims are 'concerning'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Rhode Island Secretary of State Ralph Mollis said the voter fraud allegations made by congressional candidate Anthony Gemma were “concerning” and questioned whether the candidate should have held a news conference to present his findings.

“You have someone going on for a half hour with allegations and not much to back it up,” said Ralph Mollis. “You want people to participate and to have confidence in the process.”

On Wednesday Anthony Gemma leveled stunning allegations of voter fraud against his Democratic rival, incumbent Congressman David Cicilline.

• Read More: Gemma Alleges Voter Fraud in Cicilline Campaign

Those allegations included coaxing people to vote, getting individuals to cast multiple ballots at multiple polling places, teaching underage individuals how to vote fraudulently, abusing the absentee ballot system, using dead voters' names to cast ballots, tampering with electronic voting machines and registering to vote at businesses and vacant lots. Gemma claimed the fraud took place in Providence between 2002 and 2010.

Cicilline called the claims “outrageous” and said Gemma provided no proof.

Mollis said he was getting most of the information about what happened at the news conference through the media. During questioning Gemma said he was asked by Rhode Island State Police Colonel Steven O’Donnell not to hold the press conference.

O’Donnell would not confirm or deny for WPRI.com if they have launched an investigation.

Mollis said he supports O’Donnell’s call for candor and said Gemma should have held off until law enforcement could vet the allegations.

During Gemma’s presentation, he said he sent a letter to state and federal authorities demanding information and scrutiny of the election process.

One of those letters was sent to Mollis asking for a list of information under the state’s Access to Public Records Act.

Gemma requested contract information for the company that manages the “optical scan precinct count system,” companies that are authorized to service the machines, records attesting to their calibration and “written proof” the state is in compliance with federal laws for testing equipment.

Mollis said most of the requests should have been directed at the state Board of Elections, but pledged to provide the Gemma campaign with a response “very quickly.”

He said he asked the Board of Elections if the ballot counting machines have been calibrated.

“We were notified that every machine has been tested,” Mollis said. “They are calibrated at least once a year and tested before every election.”

Mollis said a new Voter ID law will require people to show identification at the polls. In 2014 voters will have to show identification with a photo.

“If you have to show an ID you obviously cannot do what Anthony Gemma is alleging took place,” Mollis said.

The two-term Secretary of State has already endorsed Cicilline for reelection, but said if anyone comes to him with allegations of voter fraud his office will investigate thoroughly no matter who is on the ballot.

He said no one from his office has been visited by law enforcement in the wake of Gemma’s allegations.

Tim White ( twhite@wpri.com ) is the Target 12 investigative reporter for WPRI 12 and Fox Providence. Follow him on Twitter: @white_tim