Pennsylvania Charges Noncitizen with Allegedly Voting in Five Presidential Elections
Key Takeaways
- A noncitizen in Pennsylvania has been charged with allegedly registering and voting in five U.S. presidential elections, it has been reported.
- Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections; violations can lead to criminal penalties and removal (deportation).
- False claims to U.S. citizenship on voter registration forms can trigger permanent immigration bars.
- The case underscores renewed scrutiny of voter rolls and the high stakes for immigrants interacting with election systems.
The Case
A noncitizen in Pennsylvania has been charged with allegedly voting in five presidential elections, according to Fox News and local authorities. Details about how the individual registered and the specific elections involved have not been fully disclosed publicly, but prosecutors reportedly claim the person cast ballots in multiple presidential cycles. The case arrives amid heightened national attention to election integrity and noncitizen voter safeguards.
What the Law Says
Under federal law, noncitizens are prohibited from voting in federal contests (President, Vice President, U.S. House, U.S. Senate). The statute commonly invoked is 18 U.S.C. § 611, which makes alien voting a crime punishable by fines and up to one year in prison. Separately, immigration law imposes severe collateral consequences: an immigrant who votes unlawfully can be found removable under INA § 237(a)(6) and inadmissible under INA § 212(a)(10)(D). If a person falsely claims U.S. citizenship to register or vote, that misrepresentation can trigger a permanent bar to immigration benefits under INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(ii), with only a very narrow exception. State election codes may add their own criminal penalties.
Why This Matters for Immigrants
Voter registration in many states, including Pennsylvania, often occurs through “motor voter” processes at DMV offices. Applicants must attest—under penalty of perjury—that they are U.S. citizens. For noncitizens, even an inadvertent registration or a mistaken vote can derail green card, naturalization, or visa applications and can lead to removal proceedings. Anyone who suspects they were mistakenly registered should contact their local election office to cancel the registration and consult an experienced immigration attorney before responding to any official inquiries. The case is a reminder: noncitizens should not register or vote in federal elections, and should seek legal guidance if they’ve received election-related notices.
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