Absentee Ballot Fraud Scheme Uncovered in City Council Primary
During a 2023 City Council primary in District 20 in Flushing, a group of individuals submitted nearly two dozen fraudulent absentee ballots to support candidate Yu-Ching James Pai, prosecutors revealed on Thursday. The scheme involved Pai’s daughter, Sydnee Pai, along with five other individuals who worked as volunteers for Pai’s campaign.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the defendants picked up absentee ballots for registered voters without their knowledge between March 1 and June 27, 2023. The investigation began when one voter was turned away at the polling place for having already voted. It was discovered that the defendants had fraudulently submitted absentee ballots for 23 individuals without their consent.
The defendants were charged with crimes including criminal possession of a forged instrument, falsifying business records, and illegal voting. They pleaded not guilty and face up to seven years in prison if convicted. The case is set to continue on September 19.
Queens District Attorney Katz emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the voting process to uphold democracy.
While Pai won the GOP primary, he was defeated in the general election by Democrat Sandra Ung.
