STEPHEN A. ZAPPALA, JR.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

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County of Allegheny
303 COURTHOUSE PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15219-2489
PHONE (412) 350-4400 FAX (412) 350-3311

OCTOBER 17, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: MIKE MANKO

OFFICE (412) 350-3123
MOBILE (412) 496-3633
mmanko@alleghenycountyda.us

STATEMENT OF THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

CONCERNING VOTING INTEGRITY
In anticipation of the November 8, 2016 general election, there has been a great deal of
unsubstantiated and reckless political rhetoric regarding voter fraud and rigged polling places,
specifically involving the major cities of Pennsylvania.
With respect to Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, there is absolutely no evidence
that has been presented as of this date that there will be any type of voter fraud in our jurisdiction, let
alone systemic voter fraud or rigged polling places. I attribute the absence of fraud in large part to the
immediate availability of deputies from the office of Sheriff Bill Mullens, an assistant district attorney
and a judge from the Court of Common Pleas.
The most recent referral to this office regarding voter fraud was in 2003. The handful of
referrals that have been received under this administration have all involved either a voter using an
incorrect address for registration purposes or the forgery of absentee ballots.
This office has never been advised of, nor received a referral for investigation involving the use
of a deceased persons identity being used to cast a ballot.
One of the most significant privileges we enjoy as American citizens is the right to actively
participate each year in the formation of our governing bodies. I urge the residents of Allegheny
County not to let reckless rhetoric deter anyone from voting.
As he always does, Sheriff Mullen will be advising the public on how to contact his office on
Election Day.

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