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Charges filed against non-U.S. citizen who voted in Ann Arbor
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Charges filed against non-U.S. citizen who voted in Ann Arbor

Criminal charges have been filed against a non-U.S. citizen who voted in Ann Arbor during early voting last weekend.

The individual was charged with attempted unauthorized elector to vote and perjury after signing a false affidavit in order to register to vote.

It is illegal for non-citizens to vote in US elections. In Michigan, residents can register to vote at the clerk’s office before casting their ballot.

In a joint statement released Wednesday afternoon, Michigan’s Secretary of State and Washtenaw County prosecutor said noncitizen voting is “an extremely isolated and rare event.”

“Only American citizens can register and vote in our elections. It is illegal to lie on any registration form or voting application about one’s citizenship status. Doing so is a felony,” the statement read.

“We appreciate the quick action of the clerk in this case, who took appropriate action and referred the case to authorities. We also thank authorities for quickly and thoroughly investigating this case. Anyone who attempts to vote illegally faces significant consequences, including , among others, arrest and prosecution”.

The Michigan Attorney General also issued a statement following the charges, and Dana Nessel said her office was aware of the allegations and charges.

“It is the responsibility of each and every resident of this state and nation to follow the law, and Michigan election law makes clear that noncitizens cannot vote in our elections,” it said. “We take all allegations of voter fraud very seriously and the public should expect no less.”

“As in previous cases involving election law, the Attorney General’s Department has launched a parallel, independent investigation into this matter.”

The charges come at a particularly tense time in American politics, with the presidential election less than a week away.

This is not the first time accusations of electoral fraud have arisen. They have come with criminal charges this year. Earlier this fall, Nessel announced charges against four people who allegedly voted twice during the August primary.