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Former Charlotte mayor pleads guilty to attempted voter ID fraud

By Jim Bradley
By Jim Bradley

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon was back in Charlotte Wednesday, but his visit did not last long.

Cannon entered a Mecklenburg County court room at noon in a suit and tie and immediately pleaded guilty to attempted voter ID fraud. He was sentenced to one day active time to be served concurrent with his ongoing federal prison term.

Cannon's attorney said the former mayor didn't intentionally try to violate voting laws and that he just made a mistake by voting like he'd always done.

"I want to thank the court for the opportunity," Cannon said. "I hate to come here under these circumstances. But I want to apologize to the court for doing so, but I want to thank the court for indulging me in this process."

It was Cannon’s first time back in Charlotte since he reported to a federal prison in West Virginia in November of 2014. He was sentenced to 44 months in prison after pleading guilty to taking $50,000 in bribes while in office.

CLICK HERE to view the indictment

While he was waiting to report to prison Cannon admitted he voted in the November 2014 election even though, as a convicted felon, he had lost his right to vote.

Prosecutors said it doesn't matter that Cannon insists it was just a mistake.

"The law is clear," Assistant District Attorney Reed Hunt said. "It doesn't matter what your intent is. Once you plead guilty to a felony, you're not allowed to vote until your sentence has been completed."

A state elections panel later ruled his vote illegal and a Mecklenburg County grand jury later indicted Cannon.  The case has languished for more than a year but this week prosecutors announced Cannon was being returned to Charlotte and his case was being put on the court docket.

The maximum sentence for voter fraud is 12 months

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