
Ohio indicts six noncitizens for illegal voting, raising questions about election integrity and the consequences of voter fraud.
At a Glance
- Six noncitizens indicted in Ohio for illegally voting, including five legal permanent residents
- Only two of the indictments are related to the 2020 election
- Illegal voting is a fourth-degree felony with penalties up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost emphasizes the rarity of such cases and assures election law enforcement
Ohio Cracks Down on Noncitizen Voting
In a move to preserve election integrity, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced the indictment of six noncitizens for illegal voting. This action stems from nearly 140 referrals made by Secretary of State Frank LaRose to the Attorney General’s office. The indictments highlight Ohio’s commitment to maintaining fair and lawful elections, even as they underscore the rarity of such occurrences.
Of the six individuals indicted, five are legal permanent residents of the United States who are not citizens, while one is accused of voting in multiple past elections. Notably, only two of these cases are directly linked to the 2020 election cycle, suggesting that the issue spans multiple years rather than being concentrated in a single, recent election.
6 non-citizens indicted for illegally voting in Ohio https://t.co/WiKltOOaMA
— WKBN 27 First News (@WKBN) October 22, 2024
Consequences of Illegal Voting
The gravity of these charges is reflected in Ohio law, which classifies illegal voting as a fourth-degree felony. Those convicted face serious consequences, including up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $5,000. These penalties serve as a stark reminder of the importance placed on maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
“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.” – Source
This statement from Attorney General Yost underscores the zero-tolerance approach Ohio is taking towards voter fraud, regardless of the circumstances or intentions of those involved. It sends a clear message that the right to vote is reserved exclusively for U.S. citizens and that violations will be met with legal consequences.
Ensuring Election Integrity
While these indictments demonstrate Ohio’s commitment to election integrity, officials are quick to emphasize that such cases are not widespread. The fact that only six indictments resulted from nearly 140 referrals suggests that large-scale voter fraud is not a pervasive issue in the state.
“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.” – Source
This reassurance from Attorney General Yost aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral system. By transparently addressing and prosecuting cases of voter fraud, Ohio authorities hope to demonstrate that the system is working as intended to catch and penalize those who attempt to circumvent election laws.
Ongoing Vigilance
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted these investigations, with additional cases being referred to county prosecutors. This ongoing process reflects a systematic approach to addressing potential voter fraud across the state. Furthermore, Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s Election Integrity Unit has issued warnings to county boards of elections, urging vigilance in voter registration processes, particularly concerning third-party groups and paid canvassers.
As Ohio prepares for upcoming elections, including presidential, Senate, and state Supreme Court races, these indictments serve as a reminder of the state’s commitment to fair and lawful voting practices. By addressing these issues openly and systematically, Ohio aims to maintain public trust in the electoral process and ensure that every legal vote counts.
Sources:
- Six indictments in Ohio allege non-U.S. citizens voted
- Ohio Attorney General announces six indictments for voter fraud: ‘The right to vote is sacred’
- 6 non-citizens indicted for illegally voting in Ohio
- Grand jury indicts six legal, noncitizen immigrants for felony illegal voting
- Six indicted for voter fraud in Ohio