Dozens charged with election fraud in Va. in connection with the 2008 election More than three dozen people have been charged with election fraud in Virginia in connection with the 2008 election, in some cases for registering to vote despite disqualifying felony convictions, state police said. Lilyan Maitan stands in a voting booth during the Republican primary election April 24, 2012 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Philadelphia. (Jessica Kourkounis - Getty Images) In the years since Virginia helped put Barack Obama in the White House, 38 people in the Commonwealth have been arrested on either felony or misdemeanor election fraud charges. A warrant has been issued for a 39th, said police spokeswoman Corinne Geller. State police compiled those figures recently in response to a request from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The newspaper was examining the prevalence of voter fraud, which was a hotly debated topic during this year's General Assembly session. In pushing for voter ID bills, Republicans argued they were needed to ensure the integrity of elections. Democrats contended that there was scant evidence of widespread voter fraud and that the bills were intended to deter minorities, the elderly and students from voting. The news report came out this week as Gov. Robert F. McDonnell weighs whether to sign a pair of voter ID bills that cleared the House and Senate. Those who come to the polls without identification would have to cast provisional ballots, which would only be counted if the voter later returned with ID or provided a copy electronically. The House and Senate signed off on that change when it reconvened last week to pass a budget and consider McDonnell's seven vetoes and amendments he made to more than 100 bills. Tucker Martin, McDonnell's spokesman, has said the governor is reviewing the legislation.