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A probe into the Town of Essex’s municipal election of 2018 has resulted in a charge against the man who became mayor in that election.

Ontario Provincial Police announced Wednesday that Essex Mayor Larry Snively, 65, faces one count of procuring persons to vote in a municipal election when those persons were not entitled to do so — a violation of the Municipal Elections Act of Ontario.

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Police have been investigating the election — which took place Oct. 22, 2018 — since receiving a complaint of what OPP describe as “alleged improprieties.”

OPP said Wednesday that the investigation is complete, and characterized the case as “reported misuse of proxy voters.”

Snively has been scheduled for a court appearance in Windsor on March 30.

Contacted on Wednesday morning, Snively declined to comment and directed all questions to his lawyer, Patrick Ducharme.

Asked if Snively has discussed stepping down as mayor, Ducharme replied: “I represent him in every respect, and I don’t see this as any impediment for him carrying on.”