A state appeals court is being asked to dismiss felony voter misconduct charges against an Alaska resident born in American Samoa. It's one of numerous cases that have drawn attention to the complex citizenship status of people born in the U.S. territory. Tupe Smith argues she relied on erroneous information from election officials when she identified herself as a U.S. citizen on voter registration forms. Attorneys for Smith are asking the Alaska Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court’s decision that let stand the indictment brought against her. Arguments are set for Thursday in Anchorage. The state contends Smith falsely and deliberately claimed citizenship.
