In an effort to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced that a Grand Island man, Michael Egbert, has been charged for suspected fraudulent signatures on petitions related to medical marijuana. The charges include a Class IV felony for fraudulent signatures on petitions for Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation and Medical Cannabis Patient Protection.

The investigation was initiated after Hall County Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet flagged 38 petition sheets, encompassing a total of 202 signatures, all linked back to Egbert. The petitions were submitted to the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office and subsequently examined by local election officials. Overstreet's concerns were brought to the attention of the Hall County Sheriff's Office, leading to discussions with deputies on August 27.

According to court documents, the signatures in question contained the names of deceased individuals, incorrect dates of birth, and misspelled names. Egbert, who was compensated on an hourly basis for circulating the petitions, allegedly utilized names from a phone book and fabricated birthdates to complete the sheets.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers emphasized the importance of secure elections, stating, "Nebraskans expect secure elections. As we head into election season, Nebraskans should be confident that the election and law enforcement officials will work together to identify and investigate fraudulent activity." Overstreet added that each petition is carefully examined line by line and signature by signature, mirroring the scrutiny given to signatures on early voting ballot envelopes.

Egbert now faces charges of false swearing to a circulator's affidavit on a petition, which is considered a felony and carries a potential sentence of up to two years in prison or a fine of $10,000.

During a press conference, Hilgers revealed that potentially thousands of other signatures on the petitions may be fraudulent, although he did not provide further details beyond citing "irregularities." The Nebraska Attorney General's Office has not received any additional allegations from other county election commissioners to date.

Despite the charges, Secretary of State Bob Evnen may still certify both petitions for the ballot. The Secretary of State's Office previously announced on August 30 that both medical marijuana petitions had garnered enough signatures to be certified. With over 89,000 signatures collected, surpassing the required threshold of 87,000, the campaign potentially stands a chance of making it onto the statewide ballot.

While the petitions may move forward, Hilgers reassured the public that the investigation into additional fraudulent signatures will persist. The aim is to accurately discern the legitimacy of each signature and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

The deadline for Secretary of State Evnen to certify the issued petitions for placement on the statewide ballot is Friday, September 13. As the investigation continues, Nebraskans await a decision regarding the fate of the medical marijuana proposals.