Former Candidate Faces Voter Fraud Charges In DuPage County

WHEATON, IL — A 64-year-old Wheaton woman who ran an unsuccessfully for Milton Township trustee in April faces voter fraud charges after prosecutors say she filled out vote-by-mail applications and signed the names of other residents ahead of the election. Susan Cain, of the 1600 block of North Stoddard Avenue, was charged with four counts of perjury and three counts of forgery.

Cain, who ran as part of the Democratic slate, is accused of completing online vote-by-mail applications for four residents, according to an update from DuPage County. She is further accused of signing the names of three of those residents.

A warrant was issued for Cain's arrest on June 21. She turned herself in to police June 23 and was later released.

“Fair and free elections are the bedrock of a functioning democracy,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release.

This marks the sixth time voter fraud charges have been filed in DuPage County since the general election in November 2020.

Berlin added, “While the six cases charged represent an extremely small fraction of all votes cast, to ensure the integrity of the election process, it is important that we investigate anyone suspected with interfering in our elections and file charges where appropriate

Related: Voter Fraud Charges Filed Against 5 In DuPage County

Cain said in a statement Friday, "As many did during the COVID-19 pandemic, our family participated in the vote-by-mail process for the April elections. In a good faith effort to do the right thing, we self-reported challenges that we encountered during that process. We thank those who have continued to provide support and well wishes during this time, and hope our experience serves to strengthen the Illinois vote-by-mail process in the future."

The spokesperson told Patch via email that Cain contacted "DuPage Election authorities" about the "challenges" "well in advance of the election."

Cain is scheduled to appear in court July 26.