North Carolina Man Arraigned in Federal Court for Voting More Than Once in a Single Election

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A North Carolina man appeared in federal court this week following allegations that he voted multiple times in the same election across two states, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.

A one-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury charges Forrest Scott Woody, 68, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, with illegally voting more than once.

According to the indictment, Woody voted twice in the 2024 general election. In particular, he voted in Calhoun County, Alabama, after having already voted in the same election in Henderson County, North Carolina.

"Every election is an important opportunity for eligible voters to make their voices heard, and the integrity of the election depends on voters following the law," said U.S. Attorney Williams. "As we approach the upcoming election, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that election laws are respected and that every lawful vote is counted."

"Maintaining the sanctity of our country's election system is one of the highest callings of federal law enforcement, and this indictment is yet another example of how seriously our office takes that mission," said Assistant U.S. Attorney and Election Crimes Coordinator Brett A. Janich.

"Ensuring public confidence in our elections is a responsibility we take seriously," said David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Birmingham. "When individuals attempt to undermine that process, the FBI will work with our partners to safeguard the integrity of every vote."

"I appreciate the U.S. Attorney Phil Williams and his team in the U.S. Attorney's Office and all other federal agencies who are assisting in the investigation and prosecution of this case," said Secretary of State Wes Allen. "I want to also thank the team in my office. Election integrity is a top priority of mine."

FBI investigated the case, with the assistance of the Alabama Secretary of State's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Janich is prosecuting the case.

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.