PHOENIX, Ariz. — Michele Lee Brimmer, 51, has been indicted on multiple charges related to election petition fraudafter allegedly submitting false signatures for Proposition 139, Arizona’s Right to Abortion Initiative, according to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
Brimmer faces:
- One count of Fraudulent Schemes and Practices (Class 5 Felony)
- Four counts of Forgery (Class 4 Felonies)
- Nine counts of False Signature on a Petition (Class 1 Misdemeanors)
Fraudulent Signatures Discovered After Initiative Passed
Brimmer, who worked as a petition signature gatherer, was part of the team responsible for collecting signatures to place Proposition 139 on the 2024 election ballot.
While the initiative ultimately secured enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot—and was later passed by voters—an investigation revealed that Brimmer submitted several signatures from individuals who later denied signing the petition or recognizing the signatures as their own.
County Attorney: “Fraud Undermines Public Trust”
While the fraudulent signatures did not impact the success of the initiative, County Attorney Rachel Mitchellemphasized the importance of maintaining election integrity.
“I want to make it clear that the number of signatures we are talking about would not have made a difference as to whether this proposition got on the ballot,” Mitchell said. “That said, we are talking about a case that involved fraudulent signatures placed on an election petition. That is a crime, and it undermines public trust in elections. It will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such conduct will be held accountable.”
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Brimmer will face the charges in Maricopa County Superior Court. If convicted, she could face significant fines and potential prison time for the felony counts.
