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

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.

County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Elaina Cano is issuing the following statement regarding the District Attorney’s announcement of charges against Michelle Morrow:

I am aware of the charges being brought against Ms. Morrow, and given that this is an on-going legal matter, this will be my only comment.

There is nothing my office takes more seriously than upholding the law and conducting local elections that adhere to California Elections Code. The subject of election security has become a hot topic in recent months and years, both nationally and here at home. I appreciate the passion community members have for transparency in the elections process, and I also appreciate that, when warranted, local law enforcement gets involved.

SLO County has a proven track record of safe, secure, and accurate elections. In any instance in which an individual or individuals attempt to corrupt the process, my office will work with law enforcement to thoroughly investigate and ensure that justice is served. Maintaining the integrity of our elections is our top priority, and we will continue to safeguard the voting process for all county residents, ensuring that every valid vote is counted and that any fraudulent activity is addressed swiftly and appropriately.

-Elaina Cano, County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters