5-02-2023 1:22pm

Campaign Manager Charged with Election Fraud in 2021 Gubernatorial Race

Hunterdon County Campaign Manager Confronts Election Fraud Charges Over Submission of 2,000 Fraudulent Petitions

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that James Devine, a 61-year-old campaign manager from Lambertville, Hunterdon County, NJ, faces election fraud charges for allegedly submitting nearly 2,000 fraudulent petitions in an attempt to secure a spot on the Democratic primary ballot for his candidate, Lisa McCormick, in the 2021 governor's race.

Devine has been charged with one count of third-degree offenses concerning nomination certificates or petitions, one count of third-degree tampering with public records or information, and one count of fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records.

In light of ongoing concerns about election integrity, Attorney General Platkin stated that his office will not tolerate any fraud that aims to unfairly benefit a candidate or undermine free and fair elections in New Jersey. Thomas Eicher, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), added that fraudulent acts like this erode faith in government and the rule of law, and must face consequences.

The crimes were allegedly committed on April 5, 2021, in a bid to nominate McCormick for the June 8, 2021 Democratic primary election. The investigation found that Devine emailed the Secretary of State's Division of Elections approximately 1,948 fraudulent voter certifications in support of McCormick's petition for Governor of the State of New Jersey.

The New Jersey Democratic State Committee filed a written challenge on April 9, 2021, highlighting numerous issues with the voter certifications. Following a hearing, Administrative Law Judge Jeffrey N. Rabin removed McCormick from the ballot on April 13, 2021, citing these irregularities.

OPIA detectives launched an investigation, interviewing multiple individuals whose names appeared on the petitions submitted by Devine but who denied submitting or authorizing a petition in support of McCormick's nomination. Devine later admitted to detectives that he uploaded erroneous voter information onto petition forms submitted to the Division of Elections on behalf of McCormick's campaign.

Third-degree crimes can carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a $15,000 fine, while fourth-degree offenses may lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The case is being prosecuted by deputy attorneys general Andrew Wellbrock and Max Lesser, under the supervision of OPIA officials.