DA charges Selma mayor with crime for talking to voters in line during election

Criminal charges have been filed against the mayor of Selma alleging he tried to sway people toward his reelection while they waiting to vote on Election Day.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office says Scott Robertson was holding a campaign sign when he approached and talked to prospective voters about his campaign, in violation of state electioneering laws.

According to state election code, it is illegal to solicit votes or “disseminate visible or audible electioneering information” near anyone in line to vote.

Robertson was cited on Friday and is scheduled to be arraigned June 5. The misdemeanor charge could put Robertson in jail for a maximum of six months, the DA’s office said.

“The integrity of our elections depends on everyone following the rules,” District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said in a statement Friday. “No one is above the law — especially those who hold public office.”

In a statement of his own later that day, Robertson said he believes himself “completely innocent of the charge,” and that he is looking forward “to discussing and resolving this matter with the District Attorney immediately and without delay.”

He added that he will continue to do the work he was elected to do.

“I will not allow this matter to interfere with my duties as mayor.”

Campaign ad angered Selma police

Robertson is no stranger to controversy.

The mayor had been involved in a long-standing dispute with former Selma city manager Francisco Santillan, who was fired at a council meeting earlier this month. Santillan had previously received a settlement (and apology) from the city after Robertson accused him of harassment in 2023, as reported by GV Wire.

During Robertson’s reelection campaign, he came under fire from the city’s police union for a political advertisement it said exploited the death of Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. The officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. The advertisement showed a photo of Carrasco’s father with his endorsement of Robertson’s campaign.

Robertson told The Bee at the time that he was not attempting to capitalize on the family’s grief and he was trying to show his respect and honor the elder Carrasco. The advertisements were eventually taken down.