Floyd Co., Ky. (WHAS11)- Two Floyd County men, including a candidate for mayor, are in jail Thursday night, charged with voter fraud.
Paul Ethridge and Joshua Clemens were arrested Thursday afternoon.
Floyd County Prosecutor Keith Henderson announced Thursday that a grand jury had indicted the men.
Ethridge ran for mayor in the May 2011 primary.
Henderson says the two falsely obtained and marked absentee ballots.
He would not say how many ballots were involved.
"Once they reach the point of criminal charges being filed, they are extremely serious. We have to ensure a fair process in voting. We have to send a clear strong message that no fraud, no manipulation of the rules will be tolerated," says Henderson.
Henderson says the investigation will continue, and that the grand jury may be called back into action.
All the charges are Class D felonies, which are punishable by six months to three years in jail, plus a fine.
