US states warn officials: Delaying, tampering with vote could bring criminal charges

In at least five of the seven battleground states, top election and law enforcement officials have investigated, indicted and even jailed officials who tried to interfere with the vote or delay certification of results.

Officials in swing states Arizona , Michigan , Nevada , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have become far more adept at handling those who overstep their authority.

The increased oversight is aimed at preventing unfounded claims of fraud from slowing the certification of election results, which in turn could interfere with Congress 's certification of the presidential election results.

Three assistant clerks in the city of St. Clair Shores face felony charges for allegedly allowing four residents to vote twice in the state's Aug. 6 congressional and state primary election.

Democratic Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed charges punishable by up to five years in prison against all seven .

Delta County canvass board members Bonnie Hakkola and LeeAnne Oman voted against certification of a local recall election on May 14 .

Washoe County Board of Commissioners in July voted 3 -2 to not certify the results of a June primary election recount.

Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar asked the state’s supreme court to force the commissioners to certify.

Two holdout commissioners changed their votes after being told they could face criminal penalties or be stripped of office.