Terry Andrew Heflin, a Democratic Party candidate for District 5 of the Clay County Commission in Alabama, has been arrested on seven felony counts of voter fraud, according to a news release from the Attorney General's office. The indictment alleges that Heflin falsified applications to vote absentee for multiple people and then used those people's names to vote for himself by absentee ballot.

Heflin, 45, turned himself in to the Clay County Sheriff's Office and is currently being held at the Clay County jail. Each count of unlawful use of an absentee ballot is a Class C felony punishable by one year and one day to 10 years in prison.

The arrest was announced by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the state's elections. "My office is committed to ensuring that the integrity of our elections is protected and that those who attempt to undermine the process are held accountable," said Attorney General Marshall.

The case has also drawn attention from other state officials. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen stated, "This arrest sends a strong message that we are serious about election integrity and that those who attempt to manipulate the system will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Heflin's arrest comes amidst ongoing concerns about voter fraud and election security across the country. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and the consequences for those who attempt to undermine it.

The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division, and Heflin is expected to appear in court soon to answer the charges against him.