Voter fraud investigation in Phenix City results in 2 arrests, multiple charges

Two women have been arrested as a result of a Phenix City Police Department investigation into potential absentee voting fraud, the department announced Wednesday.

Police said the investigation began after receiving reports of multiple suspicious absentee voter applications received by the Phenix City Clerk’s Office.

“This investigation revealed that Thalia Jenkins Hardin and Valerie Carter, who advised investigators they were volunteering for (Phenix City Council) District 3 Candidate Jamar Gayles, engaged in illegal ballot harvesting,” the news release says.

Phenix City police consulted with the Russell County District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama Secretary of State about evidence and charging decisions, according to the news release.

Police said Hardin and Carter were arrested and charged with multiple absentee voting violations. The investigation continues, police said.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.