Elected Dem official fined for voting twice in 2020 election: 'Never really stated' you can't 'vote in more than one state'

An elected Democratic official from Washington, D.C., was recently fined for voting twice in the 2020 general election.

The District of Columbia Board of Elections fined Vanessa Rubio, an elected advisory neighborhood commissioner, $500 after she cast her vote in both D.C. and Maryland.

Rubio was first elected as a neighborhood commissioner in 2020 and re-elected in 2022. Elected candidates serve two-year, unpaid terms.

Rubio was one of six people fined this month for double voting in the 2020 election. The five other individuals were penalized $100 each, while Rubio received a greater fine since she is an elected official.

The board stated in its decision, "We see fit to hold her to a higher standard than other voters."

All of the individuals, including Rubio, claimed they voted twice by mistake.

Rubio admitted that "she did vote in person in DC in the 2020 [general election], but that she did not recall voting" in Maryland, the board reported. When shown her signature on the Maryland voting card, Rubio "acknowledged that the signature was hers, albeit a 'sloppier' version." Rubio reportedly stated it was "possible" she voted in Maryland but did not "recall doing so."

According to WRC-TV, Rubio voted in Maryland on November 1, 2020, and in D.C. on November 3, 2020. Documents obtained by the outlet stated that Rubio claimed she did not think it was illegal.

The documents read, "Rubio acknowledged voting twice, but reiterated her understanding that it was permissible to vote in D.C., as it was not a state, and then vote in a state election."

The board's ruling also noted, "Ms. Rubio stated that it was 'never really stated that you are not able to vote in more than one state,' and that she thought that if one attempted to do so, the 'system' would block one from doing so."

Sarah Graham, a spokesperson for the D.C. Board of Elections, told WTOP, "Voters should be aware that D.C. and other jurisdictions including states do have laws on the books against voting more than once."

"It can result in fines or other legal actions," Graham added.

It is unclear whether Rubio will also face penalties in Maryland.

Rubio did not respond to multiple requests for comment from several outlets, including NBC, WRC, and WTOP.

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