A judge has refused to dismiss voter fraud charges against some of the 12 charged with tampering with absentee ballots in the 2009 Atlantic City (NJ) mayor’s race.  The Press of Atlantic City has more.

“In October, Ronald Harris, 24, of Atlantic City, admitted he and others conspired to submit false documents involving messenger ballots in the primary. Harris, a registered Democrat, later told a reporter he only pleaded guilty out of fear.

Earlier this month, Ernest Storr, 44, not only admitted to breaking election laws during Small’s campaign, but said he did the same thing while helping then-Mayor Scott Evans in his unsuccessful bid in 2008. Although both campaigns were for Democrats, Storr is a registered Republican, according to voter records.

The 12 remaining defendants have until Monday to decide whether to take a plea deal or go to trial. Jury selection is set for Oct. 4.”