Charges Filed Against a County Supervisor Candidate For Filing a False Declaration of Candidacy

Author: District Attorney
Date: 9/16/2024 11:27 AM

On September 11, 2024, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office filed charges against Michelle Marie Morrow (55, of Grover Beach) for voter registration fraud, filing a false declaration of candidacy, fraudulent voting, and for perjury by declaration. These crimes were committed during the March 5, 2024 primary election cycle.

It is alleged that Michelle M. Morrow committed the crime of Voter Registration Fraud when she registered to vote at an address where she did not reside. Additional offenses were committed on February 16, 2024 when she submitted paperwork to run for the District 3 Seat on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors when in fact she lived in District 4. She did so under penalty of perjury. Finally, it is alleged that on March 5, 2024 she voted fraudulently when she voted in District 3 while her actual residence remained in District 4.

The Felony Complaint filed in the Superior Court alleges that Michelle Marie Morrow committed:

• One (1) Count of Voter Registration Fraud in violation of Elections Code Section 18100(a);
• One (1) Count of Filing False Nomination Or Declaration Papers in violation of Elections Code Section 18203;
• One (1) Count of Perjury By Declaration in violation of Penal Code Section 118(a); and
• One (1) Count of Fraudulent Voting in violation of Elections Code Section 18560(a).

Ms. Morrow posted a bond with the Superior Court on September 12, 2024 and was scheduled to be arraigned on October 10, 2024 in Department 3. Sentence for a conviction of these crimes may include probation, county jail confinement, or confinement in the state prison.

This case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity Unit of the District Attorney's Office. This unit was founded in 2015, with a mission to hold elected officials, public employees, and candidates for office accountable to the rules and laws that govern them.

A criminal Complaint contains charges that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A copy of the Complaint can be accessed here.

Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at (805) 781-5819 with any questions.