The sweep across eastern North Carolina was one of the most aggressive voting-fraud crackdowns by a Trump-appointed prosecutor — and also a deliberate choice that demonstrates where the administration’s priorities stand. As U.S. attorney, Higdon has been regarded as a by-the-book prosecutor — but also someone guided by what Washington wanted, according to lawyers who have worked with his office. It is a felony under both North Carolina and federal law to tamper with another voter’s ballot. It’s cherry-picking,” said Marshall Tutor, an investigator for the state elections board who retired in March. The emphasis in North Carolina on voting by immigrants instead of the alleged ballot-tampering operation in the 9th District has drawn criticism from congressional Democrats.

Source: Washington Post February 03, 2019 23:12 UTC