STATEMENT BY MAYOR BHALLA REGARDING FRANK RAIA INDICTMENTS

This latest indictment is extremely concerning because it yet again again proves what Hoboken voters have known for years – Vote By Mail fraud extends all the way to public figures and those who run political campaigns. If true, Mr. Raia and any other public officials participating in voter bribery must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Paying people for votes is a serious breach of our electoral integrity, and sadly remains a part of Hoboken’s elections. The indictment is equally troubling because of potential for runoff elections to return, increasing the value of the illegal “paid for” votes in a lower turnout runoff election, favoring candidates who employ similar vote by mail schemes.

I urge the United States Attorney’s office to continue investigating Vote By Mail fraud to all current public officials who have been supported by Mr. Raia and employed similar campaign tactics.