Bifano alleges two cases of voter fraud

The Republican candidate for secretary of state is requesting an official probe into what he claims are two cases of voter fraud.

According to an Associated Press report, Eugene Bifano (R-Warren), who is running against incumbent Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz, sent a letter to Markowitz on Friday alleging that two out-of-state residents have voted in Vermont elections.

"I'm a strong supporter of a person's right to vote," Bifano said. "But what I am asking for is a process, a system in place to make sure everyone who is voting here are actually living here."

Markowitz said Monday that Bifano is "uninformed" about state election law and that there is no evidence of fraud. She said voters can move out of the country while staying registered at their last Vermont address. Likewise, anyone who has moved out of state but intends to return at a specific time can continue voting.

Both cases cited by Bifano involve individuals who have moved out of the state but have continued to vote in Vermont elections. Assistant Attorney General Michael McShane said on Monday that Bifano's complaint has been referred to the criminal division of the state's AG office.