'That's illegal': Internet slams Casey DeSantis as she asks non-residents to 'participate' in Iowa caucus

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis's wife, Casey DeSantis, is facing backlash for asking out-of-state voters to 'participate' in the Iowa caucus to support her husband, which many termed 'illegal' and 'voter fraud'.

Casey's request was soon called 'voter fraud' because one has to be a resident of Iowa to be eligible for voter registration and voting purposes, according to the Iowa Secretary of State website.

According to opinion polls, the Florida governor is still trailing behind Donald Trump.

The 2024 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses, the first crucial test for GOP candidates, are scheduled for January 15, 2024.

Casey Desantis asks all 'moms and grandmoms' to come over to the Hawkeye State

With only weeks left for the Iowa caucus, the First Lady of Florida made her comments in an interview with Fox News on December 8.

"We're asking all of these moms and grandmoms to come from wherever it might be — North Carolina, South Carolina — and descend upon the state of Iowa to be a part of the caucus because you do not have to be a resident of Iowa to be able to participate in the caucus. So moms and grandmoms are going to be able to come and be a part and let their voice be heard in support of Ron DeSantis."

Minutes after she shared her interview on her X account, the Iowa GOP indirectly clarified through an X post with the caption, "Remember: you must be a legal resident of Iowa and the precinct you live in and bring photo ID with you to participate in the #iacaucus!"

Casey DeSantis clarifies her comments

After receiving criticism for her remarks, Casey clarified her comments during an event in Iowa the same day.

She stated that the campaign knows "that they cannot vote in the caucus process, but they can come and volunteer and they can be a part of it in that way, so you're seeing people from North Carolina, from South Carolina, from Florida, in particular coming because they feel so strongly about protecting the future of their kids."

The First Lady of Florida played a significant role in creating the 'Mamas for DeSantis,' a group aimed to mobilize mothers and grandmothers to champion her husband for president.

"This coalition will fight for Ron DeSantis to become the next President of the United States because he will fight to defend the innocence of children and hold the line in defense of our rights, liberties and freedoms," she said at the event.

Casey DeSantis faces online backlash

Netizens were outraged with Casey for making the comments with only weeks left for the caucus. Many social media users said that the White House hopeful's wife is trying to commit "voter fraud".

One user tagged Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum and the Fox News on X and said, "@marthamaccallum @FoxNews what she is telling people to do is ILLEGAL in IOWA. Y'all should be ashamed of yourselves."

Another user wrote, "Sounds like you are calling for people to come from out of state to cheat or intimidate voters."

"Sure sounded like you were encouraging people to illegally vote in Iowa… sketchy and desperate," remarked a third user.

A fourth user added, "Hey Casey that's illegal it's called fraud actually #ElectionFraud."

"Oops Casey. Someone running for President and his wife should have a better understanding of laws. You just advocated #Fraud on national television," read one reaction.

Another said, "Casey DeSantis, First, you told grandmas to come caucus. Now you call it volunteer. But we all know it's voter fraud!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.