Alaska Drops Charges on American Samoan Voters | Durham News

Alaska prosecutors drop felony voter misconduct charges against residents born in American Samoa after an appeals court rules that proving “consciousness of wrongdoing” is essential — not just honest mistakes on forms. The case centered on Tupe Smith, whose citizenship status was misrepresented due to confusing election paperwork and language barriers; the court found the state couldn’t prove intent to deceive. With this precedent, Smith and her husband Michael Pese are now cleared, highlighting how U.S. territory residents’ unique legal status can create gray areas in civic compliance.

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