Atlantic City Politician Craig Callaway Charged with Election Fraud Involving Absentee Ballots

Atlantic City, New Jersey, has been the scene of yet another election fraud case. Craig Callaway, a former Atlantic City councilman, was arrested on February 1, 2024, and charged with election fraud involving the misuse of absentee ballots. Callaway, 64, is a well-known political organizer and operative in and around Atlantic City, known for his ability to deliver large blocks of absentee ballots to election officials that often sway the outcome of elections.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced the charges against Callaway, stating that he is charged with one count of “depriving, defrauding, and attempting to deprive and defraud the residents of the state of New Jersey of a fair and impartially conducted election process by the fraudulent procurement, casting, and tabulation of ballots.”

The charges against Callaway come after allegations of election fraud involving the misuse of absentee ballots. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Callaway and others working at his direction paid people $30 to $50 to apply to be messengers for voters purportedly wishing to vote by mail. These individuals went to the county clerk’s office, signed the messenger portion of the ballot applications, and received ballots to be given to the voters listed on the applications. However, after receiving mail-in ballots, these purported messengers left the county clerk’s office and instead handed the ballots to Callaway or his subordinates.

Many of the mail-in ballots collected by Callaway or his subordinates were ultimately cast in the names of people who have confirmed that they did not vote in the 2022 general election – either in person or by mail. These voters also said they did not authorize Callaway, his subordinates, or anyone else, to cast ballots for them. Many of these mail-in ballots were counted in the election.

Callaway’s criminal history includes a 40-month prison sentence for bribery while serving as a city councilman. While waiting to report to prison for that offense, he orchestrated a sex sting against a political rival, fellow Councilman Eugene Robinson. In 2006, Callaway rented two rooms at a motel on the edge of town. A co-defendant placed a camera hidden in a clock radio inside one of the rooms and a video recorder was set up in the adjacent room. An FBI agent said in court documents that Callaway and others paid a prostitute between $150 and $200 to lure Robinson, a Baptist minister, to the motel and perform a sex act on him, then threatened to send the tape to the media if Robinson did not resign. Instead, Robinson went to the authorities, who filed charges that led to a three-year state prison term for Callaway.

Despite his criminal history, Callaway was released in 2010 and quickly resumed his operation collecting and delivering absentee ballots. While campaigns of losing candidates had long accused him of wrongdoing, Callaway was not charged until February 1, 2024. The election fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case against Callaway highlights the importance of holding free and fair elections as a bedrock principle of our democracy. U.S. Attorney Matthew Skahill stated, “Today’s charges reflect our office’s commitment to hold to account those who try to undermine the electoral process.”

Callaway’s attorney, Megan Davies, could not immediately comment on the charges when reached by phone. A message sent to Callaway’s phone was not immediately returned.

The case against Callaway is not an isolated incident. Election fraud involving the misuse of absentee ballots has been a concern in recent elections, with allegations of fraud in several states. The case against Callaway serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and the need for vigilance against those who seek to undermine it.

In conclusion, the case against Craig Callaway is a stark reminder of the importance of holding free and fair elections as a bedrock principle of our democracy. The charges against Callaway, who is known for his ability to deliver large blocks of absentee ballots to election officials, highlight the need for vigilance against those who seek to undermine the electoral process. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and the need for transparency and accountability in the administration of elections. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to holding those who try to undermine the electoral process accountable is a crucial step in maintaining the trust and confidence of the American people in the democratic process.