ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A non-U.S. citizen is facing charges for illegally casting a ballot at an early voting site in Ann Arbor on Sunday.
The non-U.S. citizen, who has yet to be identified, allegedly illegally registered to vote and cast a ballot in the 2024 General Election on Oct. 27. They are facing charges of Unauthorized Elector Attempting To Vote and Making a False Affidavit for the Purpose of Securing Voter Registration.
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Only U.S. citizens can register and vote in U.S. elections. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit said in a joint statement on Oct. 31 that it’s a felony to lie on any registration forms or voting applications about one’s citizenship status.
“We are grateful for the swift action of the clerk in this case, who took the appropriate steps and referred the case to law enforcement,” said Benson and Savit. “We are also grateful to law enforcement for swiftly and thoroughly investigating this case. Anyone who attempts to vote illegally faces significant consequences, including but not limited to arrest and prosecution.”
Benson’s and Savit’s joint statement also said it’s extremely rare for a noncitizen to vote.
“Let this be clear: Voting records are public – any noncitizen who attempts to vote fraudulently in Michigan will be exposing themselves to great risk and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Benson and Savit.
