FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2023
Media Contact
Katy Glover
kglover@sarpy.gov
402-593-4132
Investigation into 2020 and 2022 Election Complaints in Sarpy County Finds No Widespread Fraud, Criminal Wrongdoing
A six-month investigation that evaluated the 2020 General and 2022 Primary Elections in Sarpy County found no evidence of widespread election fraud, voter suppression or criminal misbehavior.
The Sarpy County Attorney’s Office hired independent reporting investigator William W. Black to investigate 52 election-related complaints the office received on May 10, 2022, as well as the elections conducted in Sarpy County in their entirety. The County Attorney’s Office directed Black to identify the individuals responsible for criminal wrongdoing if it occurred and to forward the evidence and a prosecutable case for specific crimes committed if present.
The investigation found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in Sarpy County.
“The County Attorney’s Office takes concerns pertaining to our elections seriously, and at the conclusion of this investigation, I remain confident that Sarpy County elections are free, fair and devoid of fraudulent activity or criminal intent,” said Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov. “The investigation was thorough and professional. The people of Sarpy County can take great comfort in the investigator’s diligence and these findings.”
Some concerns about possible election fraud referenced federal election law and election fraud in other states. Crimes committed outside the jurisdiction of Sarpy County are not the responsibility of law enforcement officials within Sarpy County. The complainants were informed and referred to file a complaint with the appropriate agency if they so choose.
A 32-page report describes the nature of the complaints and details the investigation’s findings, which include isolated election-related issues caused by human error that did not influence the outcome of the elections.
In one instance, a volunteer poll worker recorded precinct pollbook information – a clear violation of Election Commission policy, procedure, and poll worker training. The poll worker was confronted by other poll workers and stopped immediately.
The investigation also found instances of two individuals voting in Sarpy County after they had moved to different nearby jurisdictions without reregistering in their new locations. Since they did not vote twice, it was determined that proving intent for voter fraud would not be appropriate.
The report also gives insight into Nebraska voting laws, election security and proper procedures, and includes recommendations to further strengthen Election Commission policies and training procedures, optimize transparency and enhance security.
You can find the report on the Sarpy.gov website here: https://www.sarpy.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5475/Report-Evaluating-2020-General-and-2022-Primary-Elections-in-Sarpy-County
The County Attorney and the investigator will be available in the Sarpy County Boardroom on Friday, June 30, at 1 p.m. to answer specific questions pertaining to the report.
About the Investigator
William W. Black worked in law enforcement as a sworn law enforcement officer for 42 years both at the County (Douglas) and State level. He has extensive experience in all job functions within that career field, including criminal investigation. Black retired in September 2020 from the Office of the Nebraska State Attorney General where he was responsible for the investigation of violent crimes statewide. His work there also included proposing modifications to existing laws to close loopholes and apply new technologies.
About Sarpy County
Sarpy County is the fastest-growing county in the state of Nebraska, attracting new residents, visitors, businesses and jobs each year. Sarpy County is home to the cities of Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna and Springfield, as well as Offutt Air Force Base. In less than 20 minutes, you can travel from the vibrant urban centers to beautiful outdoor recreational areas and activities. More information is available at Sarpy.gov.
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