Former Arizona state representative Austin Smith has pleaded guilty to falsifying signatures on his 2024 reelection petitions — including signing the name of a deceased voter — according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
Smith, 30, entered guilty pleas to one count of attempted fraudulent schemes and practices and one count of illegal signing of election petitions. Under the terms of his plea deal, he will receive probation, pay a minimum $5,500 fine and be prohibited from seeking public office for five years. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 6.
Smith represented District 29, covering Surprise and parts of the West Valley, beginning in 2023. He was running for a second term when he submitted petitions later found to contain forged signatures. A legal challenge filed in early 2024 prompted him to suspend his campaign, and a grand jury later indicted him on 14 counts — charges that were reduced through the plea agreement.
Prosecutors say the forgery undermined election integrity and misled voters, noting that falsified signatures directly violate state election law.
The Attorney General’s Office has said it will continue pursuing cases involving fraudulent attempts to qualify candidates for the ballot.
