Selma Mayor Scott Robertson has been charged with electioneering.
The Fresno County District Attorney filed a criminal charge against Robertson on Friday for the Prohibited Dissemination of Electioneering Information at a polling place.
Driving the news: The District Attorney’s Office alleges that Robertson approached voters on Nov. 5, 2024, who were waiting in line to cast ballots.
- Robertson, who was running for reelection as mayor, held a sign advocating for his reelection and the election of now-Councilman Jim Avalos and spoke with some voters about his campaign.
Why it matters: California Elections Code mandates that a person on election day or at any time a voter may be casting a ballot cannot solicit a vote, speak to a voter about marking the voter’s ballot or disseminate visible or audible electioneering information.
The big picture: Robertson has been charged with one misdemeanor count of Prohibited Electioneering, in violation of Elections Code §18370(c).
What we’re watching: If convicted, Robertson faces a maximum of six months in jail.
- He will be arraigned in the Fresno County Superior Court on June 5.
What they’re saying: “No one is above the law – especially those who hold public office. The integrity of our elections depends on everyone following the rules, and violations will be addressed,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “Our office remains committed to ensuring a fair democratic process for all voters.”
- “The DA’s office filed one misdemeanor charge against me today. I believe I am completely innocent of the charge. I look forward to discussing and resolving this matter with the District Attorney immediately and without delay,” Robertson wrote in a Facebook post Friday. “The citizens of Selma elected me to do their work and be their representative and I will continue my work as their Mayor. I will not allow this matter to interfere with my duties as Mayor.”
