SLO County woman accused of election fraud blames complicated rules
September 6, 2026
By KAREN VELIE
The San Luis Obispo County woman on trial for election fraud told the jury last week that she did not know about campaign regulations when she ran for office. Charged with eight felonies and one misdemeanor, Powell said that she thought she was complying with the law.
In his opening statement, Deputy District Attorney Ben Blumenthal explained to the jury the laws Powell allegedly broke. He described Powell as a candidate who decided the laws did not apply to her.
Powell is facing charges she registered to vote at an address on James Way in Arroyo Grande where she did not live in violation of election laws. Powell argued she had two residences, which gave her the right to chose which one was her primary address.
While Powell claims she had two residences, the landlords at both properties have testified one was a residence and the other an office.
Her landlord at a property on Heritage Lane where Powell has lived in an accessory dwelling unit for seven years, Carolyn Moffatt, said she warned Powell that she was required to live in the City of Arroyo Grande in order to run for the mayor seat. Powell responded saying an attorney had advised her that she was allowed to register at her office on James Way, Moffatt testified.
The trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday afternoon.
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