Ohio Indicts Six Noncitizens for Illegal Voting to Protect Electoral Integrity

Gavel next to indictment document on wooden table.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announces criminal charges against six noncitizens for illegal voting, highlighting the state’s commitment to electoral integrity.

At a Glance

  • Six indictments secured from nearly 140 cases reviewed for voter fraud in Ohio
  • Five legal permanent residents and one noncitizen charged with illegal voting
  • Illegal voting is a fourth-degree felony with up to 18 months in prison and $5,000 fine
  • Only two of the indictments were related to the 2020 election
  • Ohio’s Election Integrity Unit actively monitoring registration process

Ohio Cracks Down on Noncitizen Voting

In a move to protect the integrity of Ohio’s elections, Attorney General Dave Yost has announced criminal charges against six individuals for illegally participating in American elections. The indictments, resulting from a comprehensive investigation into voter integrity, reveal that five legal permanent residents voted despite not being U.S. citizens, while another non-citizen allegedly cast ballots in multiple elections.

These cases, discovered through careful screening by Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office, demonstrate Ohio’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding every legal vote cast by American citizens. The investigation spanned multiple election cycles, with only two cases stemming from the 2020 election.

Legal Consequences and Enforcement Actions

In Ohio, illegal voting is classified as a fourth-degree felony, carrying severe penalties. Those convicted face a maximum of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation processed these cases, showcasing the state’s dedication to thorough and impartial investigations.

“The right to vote is sacred,” Yost said. “If you’re not a US citizen, it’s illegal to vote – whether you thought you were allowed to or not – you will be held accountable.”

Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s Election Integrity Unit has been actively monitoring the registration process and has issued warnings to county boards of elections to remain vigilant. This proactive approach has led to the identification of suspicious registration patterns and the referral of additional cases to county prosecutors.

State Response and Ongoing Efforts

The Attorney General’s office continues to pursue active investigations into potential voter fraud cases. Enhanced coordination between state and county election officials has been implemented to catch illegal registrations early and maintain the integrity of Ohio’s electoral system.

“Irregularities like this are rare, and this is a small number of cases,” Yost said. “We should all be confident in the upcoming election, knowing that the laws are being enforced and will continue to be enforced.”

The announcement of these indictments comes two weeks before an election involving presidential, Senate, and state Supreme Court races, underscoring the importance of maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. While the number of cases is small compared to the total number of votes cast, Ohio officials emphasize that every illegal vote undermines the democratic process and must be addressed.

As the state continues its vigilant oversight of election integrity, Ohio voters can rest assured that their legitimate votes will be protected and counted, reinforcing the fundamental principles of American democracy.

Sources:

  1. Ohio Attorney General announces six indictments for voter fraud: ‘The right to vote is sacred’
  2. Six indicted for voter fraud in Ohio
  3. Six indictments in Ohio allege non-U.S. citizens voted
  4. 6 non-citizens indicted for illegally voting in Ohio
  5. Grand jury indicts six legal, noncitizen immigrants for felony illegal voting