Homeland Security investigates voter fraud accusation at Dayton high school

Agents look into claim that students were told how to register to vote

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security is investigating an allegation of voter fraud at a high school in Dayton, Ohio. According to the Dayton Public Schools superintendent, a former student claimed they were told or forced to fill out a voter registration form and told who to vote for during the district's annual voter registration drive.

Why it matters

Allegations of voter fraud, even unsubstantiated ones, can undermine public trust in the electoral process. This investigation by federal authorities highlights the sensitivity around voter registration, especially in the context of high school civics programs aimed at engaging young people in the democratic process.

The details

Three Homeland Security agents visited Ponitz Career Technology High School in Dayton on Monday to investigate the claim made by a former student. The district's superintendent, Dr. David Lawrence, said the district does not have any evidence to support the allegation, as it has held voter registration drives for 18-year-olds for the past 15 years without incident.

  • Homeland Security agents visited the high school on Monday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Dr. David Lawrence

Superintendent of Dayton Public Schools.

Ponitz Career Technology High School

A high school in Dayton, Ohio where the alleged voter fraud incident took place.

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What they’re saying

“They interviewed a former student, and that the student said to them that they were told or forced to fill out the form and told who to vote for.”

— Dr. David Lawrence, Superintendent of Dayton Public Schools (WHIO)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security will continue its investigation into the voter fraud allegation at the Dayton high school.

The takeaway

This case highlights the sensitivity around voter registration, especially in the context of high school civics programs aimed at engaging young people in the democratic process. While the district maintains there is no evidence of wrongdoing, the federal investigation underscores the need for transparency and vigilance in ensuring the integrity of voter registration efforts.