A Lodi, California, city councilman was arrested Thursday by San Joaquin County Sheriff’s deputies for alleged violations of election law during the 2020 general election.
Councilman Shakir Kahn was charged with voter registration fraud, submitting fraudulent registrations to the Secretary of State and submitting a fraudulent candidacy petition, according to a statement from the city of Lodi.
Kahn also faces charges of aiding and abetting election fraud, adding fake names to nomination petitions, false nomination/declaration of candidacy, fraudulently casting votes and helping or advising another not qualified to vote.
The charges stem from the Democrat councilman’s candidacy during the 2020 general election.
San Joaquin Sheriff Patrick Withrow stressed during a Thursday press conference that the charges only pertain to the local election in his county. The sheriff noted Kahn’s actions had no impact on any state or federal election results.
Lodi Mayor Mikey Hothi traveled to the San Joaquin County Jail to request Khan’s resignation from the city council, which — according to the city’s statement — he signed, effective immediately.
“We became aware of Shakir Khan’s arrest this morning and I had the opportunity to speak with him here at the county jail and asked for his resignation, effective immediately,” Hothi said Thursday, adding the city is fully cooperating with the investigation. “I want to thank the sheriff’s office and everybody involved, ensuring a fair and thorough process.”
Withrow said the charges against the councilman resulted from a combination of a current investigation against him and concerned citizens bringing some things to his attention, which he acted upon.
“Shakir Khan has attempted to undermine, manipulate and violate one of our most fundamental rights here in our country,” the sheriff explained, “and that is the right to free and fair elections.”
Withrow added that Khan seemed to target members of his own Pakistani community in the north county. He said his department is working with members of that community to ensure they are protected and any damage done them by Khan is corrected.
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