Attorney says Hmong's are being targeted in voter fraud investigation

Siskiyou County, Calif. — As the investigation into potential voter fraud in Siskiyou County continues tonight, an attorney is calling out top county officials for threatening Hmong mong citizens who live there. NBC5 News first told you about the investigation Monday night.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office says they were asked by the state to assist in this investigation and did not initiate it. However, a San Francisco attorney says Hmong citizens are being treated unfairly, and told by county officials “not to vote or face felony prosecution”.

“They’re stuck with a Hobbsien choice,” attorney Brian Ford says, “either protect their right to vote, or clear the land.”

“In some instances even when they do claim the land as their domicile they’re not only being cited they’re also being told that they can not vote,” Ford adds.

NBC5 spoke with Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey who says these claims are “absolutely preposterous” and that everyone should register and vote. He says so far only 2 citations have been issued for zoning ordinance violations.

Attorney Brian Ford says they have reached out to the ACLU, and may pursue legal action.