New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
October 8, 2020

Contact:
Kate Giaquinto, Director of Communications
kate.giaquinto@doj.nh.gov | 603-573-6103

Arrest of Michael L. Lewis for Wrongful Voting in the November 2016 General Election

Concord, NH – Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald announces that Michael L. Lewis, age 47, was arrested today in Atlanta, Georgia by Atlanta's Transit Police pursuant to a warrant issued by the Merrimack Superior Court on January 17, 2019.

Mr. Lewis was indicted by the Merrimack County Grand Jury for an alleged violation of RSA 659:34 on December 13, 2018. The indictment alleges that Mr. Lewis voted for an office or measure by casting a ballot in Hooksett, New Hampshire during the November 8, 2016 General Election. It further alleges that Mr. Lewis was not qualified to vote in Hooksett, NH because he was not domiciled there for voting purposes.

These acts are in violation of RSA 659:34, I (e) & RSA 659:34, II, Wrongful Voting, which makes it a class B felony for knowingly voting for an office or measure in an election that he was not qualified to vote in as provided in RSA 654.

This charge carries a maximum penalty of 3½-7 years of imprisonment and a $4,000 fine. Additionally, anyone convicted of a willful violation of the State's election laws lose the right to vote in this State pursuant to the New Hampshire Constitution.

Mr. Lewis is currently awaiting arraignment and approval of his extradition to New Hampshire by the Atlanta judicial system.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Nicholas A. Chong Yen of the Election Law Unit. The initial investigation into this matter was conducted by the Hooksett Police Department and was subsequently referred to the Attorney General's Office. Further investigation was conducted by Chief Investigator Richard Tracy of the Election Law Unit.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations. Mr. Lewis is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

New Hampshire Department of Justice
1 Granite Place South | Concord, NH | 03301
Telephone: 603-271-3658