HAMTRAMCK — The office of the Michigan Attorney General has filed charges against three Hamtramck men, who are accused of violating election law.

Salim Ahmed, 50, Armani Asad, 33, and Mohammed Russell, 32 are accused of submitting absentee ballots to the city clerk’s office that were not related to them, or members of their household.

Asad, actually ran in the Aug. 6 Primary Election for city council, but was unsuccessful in his bid.

In accordance to election law, it is illegal to possess or return absentee ballots, unless you’re the person voting, a member of the voter’s family, a mail carrier, or an authorized official.

“Preserving the integrity of the voting process is vital to maintaining the foundation of our free democracy,” said Attorney General Bill Schuette. “On election day, voters cast their ballot to make sure their voice is heard. We will not tolerate election law violations.”
On Thursday, the men were expected to appear in court for their arraignment. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison and/or a $1000 fine.

Hamtramck Police began investigating this case with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office and the Michigan Secretary of State, before referring it over to the Office of Attorney General for further investigation.

During the August 2013 Primary Election, Hamtramck City Deputy Clerk August Gitschlag found that three unauthorized people had allegedly submitted multiple absentee ballots, in violation of state election law. All Michigan absentee ballots clearly explain the codified election law, regarding the proper procedure for obtaining, possessing, and processing absentee ballots.