LANSING, Mich. — Officials from the University of Michigan have reported a case involving a Chinese student who has been charged with casting an illegal vote during early voting. This incident marks an uncommon occurrence of non-U.S. citizens participating in elections.
The individual faces charges of perjury and voting as an unauthorized elector, the latter of which is classified as a felony. According to a joint announcement from the Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, and Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Eli Savit, the felony charge could result in a prison sentence of up to four years and a monetary fine of $2,000.
In their statement, they emphasized the seriousness of attempting to vote illegally, stating, “Anyone who attempts to vote illegally faces significant consequences, including but not limited to arrest and prosecution.” This issue has become a theme in Republican messaging this election season, as some factions have raised concerns about noncitizen voting, despite evidence showing that such cases are exceedingly rare across the country.
Federal election laws prohibit noncitizens from voting, and all voters must affirm their U.S. citizenship upon registration. Election officials have established thorough protocols to identify any noncitizens attempting to vote. Benson and Savit reaffirmed the integrity of Michigan’s voting process, stating, “When it does happen, we take it extremely seriously. Our elections are secure, and Michigan’s state and local election officials carefully follow the law.”
Currently, Michigan boasts over 7 million active registered voters, with more than 2 million ballots cast already through mail-in and early voting methods as the election approached. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has initiated an independent investigation into the matter.
The accused is a 19-year-old student from China who is in the U.S. legally but has not obtained citizenship. According to a spokesperson from the Department of State, Angela Benander, the student registered to vote by presenting his University of Michigan ID along with residency documents proving his status in Ann Arbor. The student previously signed a document claiming U.S. citizenship and subsequently reached out to the local elections office to retrieve his ballot after realizing the error.
Benson and Savit commended the local clerk’s prompt actions in escalating the case to law enforcement. The incident gained attention from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which issued a statement urging its citizens abroad to comply with local laws and regulations, while also appealing to U.S. authorities for a fair investigation that safeguards the rights of the involved national.
U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, a Republican, has called for the student’s expulsion from the university, highlighting his position as the chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Currently, the University of Michigan has not responded to requests for comments regarding this situation.