(WWJ) A Macomb County man has pleaded guilty to a criminal charge in a case of double voting.
The Michigan Attorney General's Office said 68-year-old Frank Prezzato of St. Clair Shores pleaded guilty to one count of Voting Absentee and In-Person.
The AG's office said Prezzato acknowledged that he acted recklessly in voting twice during the in August, 2024, primary election.
“Voting twice undermines our democratic process,” Nessel said. “My office will continue to prosecute those who violate our voting laws to ensure Michigan voters have confidence in the integrity of our elections.”
Authorities said Prezzato appeared in person at his local polling location on Election Day in St. Clair Shores, requesting and voting a ballot in the August Primary Election, despite having returned an absentee ballot for the same election. He voted both in-person and absentee, and both votes were counted in the primary election.
Last October, Prezzato was one four voters and three deputy clerks for crimes related to double voting in Macomb County.
"One person, one vote. It's a simple but highly important American value we've all known since we were children," said Nessel, when she announced the charges. "When people violate this principle they violate state law, and undermine the most basic tenants of our American democracy."
As part of the plea agreement, the AG's office said Prezzato will serve a a six-month delayed probation sentence.
If he successfully meets all terms and conditions of the probation, all charges will be dismissed with prejudice at the end of the probationary period.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 22 in 16th Circuit Court.