3 Arrested for Alleged Ballot Harvesting in Alabama Election

The charges represent a significant development in the state's efforts to safeguard election integrity.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Three Monroe County, Alabama, residents have been arrested and face charges related to alleged ballot harvesting and improper leverage of absentee ballots during the August 26, 2025, Frisco City municipal election, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Why it matters

This case follows a recent indictment in Russell County on 33 counts related to absentee ballot harvesting, signaling a broader focus by Alabama authorities on potential election fraud within the state.

The details

Sarah Bennett, 60, Sharon Denson, 67, and Samantha Kyles, 46, are collectively charged with 17 counts of ballot harvesting and 20 counts of unlawful use of absentee ballots. The indictment alleges that each defendant falsified absentee ballot applications or verification documents and illegally collected ballots from multiple voters.

  • The arrests follow an investigation led by the Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Division.
  • The charges were announced on February 27, 2026.

The players

Steve Marshall

The Alabama Attorney General who announced the arrests.

Sarah Bennett

A 60-year-old Monroe County, Alabama resident charged with 17 counts of ballot harvesting and 20 counts of unlawful use of absentee ballots.

Sharon Denson

A 67-year-old Monroe County, Alabama resident charged with 17 counts of ballot harvesting and 20 counts of unlawful use of absentee ballots.

Samantha Kyles

A 46-year-old Monroe County, Alabama resident charged with 17 counts of ballot harvesting and 20 counts of unlawful use of absentee ballots.

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What they’re saying

“This case follows a recent indictment in Russell County on 33 counts related to absentee ballot harvesting, signaling a broader focus by Alabama authorities on potential election fraud within the state.”

— Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General (world-today-news.com)

What’s next

The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Division, and no further information regarding the specifics of the alleged crimes or the investigation has been released at this time.

The takeaway

This case highlights Alabama's efforts to crack down on alleged election fraud, particularly related to absentee ballot harvesting, as the state seeks to safeguard the integrity of its electoral process.