Montgomery, AL – Republicans in the Alabama House claim that some Democrats cheated by casting votes for members who were not present when a measure to remove the state sales tax on groceries was approved.
The bill passed the House Tuesday 63-38, receiving the exact number of votes needed to pass a constitutional amendment.
But House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard of Auburn said he saw one Democrat, Rep. Randy Hinshaw of Meridianville, vote the electronic machines of two House members who are in Korea this week on an industry-hunting trip. At least four members who were not at the Statehouse Tuesday were recorded as voting "yes" on the bill.
Hinshaw said he did cast votes on several machines Tuesday. But he said he was simply following House rules that allow members to vote the machines of other representatives.
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