Story perspectives

Alaska Court Weighs Voter Misconduct in Citizenship Case

1/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

An Alaska state appeals court is reviewing felony voter misconduct charges against Tupe Smith.
Smith's attorneys say she identified herself as a United States citizen on voter forms due to an innocent mistake from local officials' information.
Prosecutors argue she intentionally misrepresented her citizenship status.
The case underscores citizenship issues for American Samoans and could set an Alaska precedent for voter fraud standards if the indictment stands.

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Story summary

An Alaska state appeals court is reviewing felony voter misconduct charges against Tupe Smith.
Smith's attorneys say she identified herself as a United States citizen on voter forms due to an innocent mistake from local officials' information.
Prosecutors argue she intentionally misrepresented her citizenship status.
The case underscores citizenship issues for American Samoans and could set an Alaska precedent for voter fraud standards if the indictment stands.