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Mistrial Declared in Election-Interference Case of Former Alaska Legislator

Jury Deadlocks in Trial of Gabrielle LeDoux Over Election Violations

A judge declared a mistrial in the high-profile election-interference case involving former Alaska legislator Gabrielle LeDoux after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on Monday. The decision came after several days of deliberation and ended a trial that has seen delays and significant legal drama.

LeDoux, a former member of the Alaska House of Representatives, was accused of violating state elections law during the 2018 primary and general elections. The charges centered around allegations that she pressured voters to cast ballots in her district even though they lived outside the area. This legal battle raised questions about how far political figures can go in influencing voter behavior—and whether LeDoux crossed a legal line in her attempt to secure votes.

The Jury’s Struggle and the Decision to Declare a Mistrial

After a lengthy period of deliberations, which stretched well into the Thanksgiving weekend, the jury informed Anchorage Superior Court Judge Kevin Saxby that they were at an impasse. Despite efforts to encourage further deliberation, the jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision on any of the charges.

Gabrielle LeDoux court trial Alaska

In a note read to the court, the jury stated, “We have not — underlined — reached unanimity on any of the charges,” leading Saxby to declare a mistrial. The judge acknowledged that no further instructions on the law would break the deadlock, and he understood the jurors had given their best efforts, deliberating for over three hours beyond their initial time.

LeDoux’s defense attorney, Kevin Fitzgerald, echoed the sentiment that the trial had been lengthy, and the outcome of the jury’s deliberation should be respected. The failure to reach a verdict means the case could eventually be retried, though it remains to be seen whether the prosecution will pursue a new trial.

What Were the Charges Against LeDoux?

The charges against Gabrielle LeDoux date back to 2020 when she was indicted for five felony counts and seven misdemeanor counts related to voter misconduct and unlawful interference with voting during the 2018 elections. Prosecutors argued that LeDoux had pressured a friend and former aide, Lisa M. Simpson, and Simpson’s son, Caden Vaught, to cast ballots in her district, despite not living there.

LeDoux’s defense team countered that the accusations were based on mistakes made by Simpson and Vaught, who were allegedly confused about the voting rules. LeDoux herself claimed that she merely asked them to follow the law as she understood it, asserting that she was not responsible for their actions.

The trial has drawn attention because of the potential consequences it could have on election law and the accountability of public figures in relation to voter integrity. As one of the longest-serving members of Alaska’s legislature, LeDoux’s case has raised difficult questions about the line between political persuasion and legal boundaries.

A Trial Marked by Delays

The trial itself was fraught with delays. Initially, charges were filed against LeDoux in 2020, but several setbacks occurred before it could go to court. The most recent delay came in July, when the prosecution disclosed new evidence shortly before the trial’s scheduled start date. The delays have only added to the tension surrounding the case, with the former legislator’s future hanging in the balance.

Despite these delays, the trial proceeded with the same core issue: whether LeDoux deliberately interfered with the voting process, or whether the situation was a result of confusion and misunderstanding. As the case moves forward, there will likely be more legal wrangling, as both sides weigh their next moves.

The Legal and Political Implications

The outcome of this trial could have broader consequences for election law in Alaska. If retried and convicted, LeDoux could face significant legal penalties. But beyond the courtroom, her case also raises critical questions about the influence of politicians on voter behavior.

LeDoux served in the state legislature for a total of 14 years, first representing Kodiak, then Anchorage. She was an active Republican lawmaker, with a history of advocating for the interests of her constituents. However, her legal troubles have cast a shadow over her political legacy.

LeDoux’s career as a former practicing attorney—specializing in personal injury cases related to maritime law—adds another layer of complexity to the case. With her legal background, she was no stranger to courtroom proceedings, and her defense has been marked by strong arguments against the charges.

Now, as the trial remains in limbo, Alaska’s political scene watches closely to see how the case unfolds, as it could shape the way future election interference cases are handled in the state.

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