A former city councilwoman from Stanton, a small town in Orange County, is facing serious legal consequences after allegedly forging documents and voting illegally in the 2024 election. Hong Alyce Van, 40, of Anaheim, has been charged with multiple felonies, including perjury, filing false nomination papers, offering a false document, and voting illegally.
Van served on the Stanton City Council from 2020 to 2024, representing the town’s Second District. However, the charges stem from claims that she no longer lived in the district she was elected to represent. According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Van moved out of the district in 2021 but did not resign from her position, as required by law.
To maintain the appearance of residency, Van allegedly visited her old home and attended council meetings at city hall, creating the illusion that she was still living in her district. In July 2024, she submitted nomination paperwork to run for re-election in her former district, falsely claiming she still resided there.
The charges also include an accusation that Van cast an illegal vote in the November 2024 election, despite being registered at an address where she no longer lived.
Van’s re-election campaign ended in a decisive loss, with questions about her residency emerging as a major criticism. The scandal led to significant scrutiny of her campaign, as residents and political opponents raised concerns about her eligibility to serve.
Also Read – California Forces Insurers to Cover Homes in High-Risk Wildfire Zones, Shifting Costs to Customers
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the importance of election integrity, stating that individuals who attempt to deceive the system will face legal action. “These are not mistakes,” Spitzer said. “These are deliberate decisions to interfere with our democratic process, and they will not be tolerated.”
Van, who has a background in international studies and is the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, faces up to six years in state prison if convicted. Her trial is scheduled for January 29.
Despite running as a nonpartisan candidate, Van received an endorsement from the Democratic Party of Orange County, while her opponent, Victor Barrios, a special education teacher, was backed by the local Republican Party.
- Illinois Beware: Pennsylvania’s New Right Turn on Red Rule Explained - March 15, 2025
- Drivers Beware: Pennsylvania’s New Right Turn on Red Rule Explained - March 15, 2025
- California Bill That Could Criminalize Self-Defense Gets Pulled - March 15, 2025
