Judge dismisses voter fraud charges against western Iowans

Charges of election misconduct filed against three Council Bluffs residents have been dismissed.

Albert Harte-Maxwell and his wife, Linda, were charged in September after prosecutors alleged they registered to vote even though they aren't U.S. citizens. They hold Canadian citizenship.

Their attorney, David Richter, says prosecutors moved to dismiss the charges last week. Court records entered on Thursday indicate a judge approved the motion.

Richter has argued that Iowa's voter registration form violates state law because the size and color of the printing isn't consistent. Before a judge could rule on whether the form is legal, prosecutors dismissed the charges.

Similar charges against Maria Ayon-Fernandez, a citizen of Mexico, also were dismissed.

The charges were filed amid Secretary of State Matt Schultz's effort to fight voter fraud.