Canadian Man Admits to Illegal Voting in US Federal Elections
A Canadian citizen residing in North Carolina has pleaded guilty to charges of illegally voting in United States elections after falsely asserting he was an American citizen, according to federal prosecutors. Denis Bouchard, 70 years old, confessed in federal court that he knowingly misrepresented his citizenship status on voter registration applications to participate in the 2022 midterm election and the 2024 presidential election.
Background and Investigation Details
Prosecutors revealed that Bouchard has lived in the United States since the 1960s but never obtained US citizenship. Court documents indicate he registered to vote in North Carolina and certified his US citizenship, enabling him to cast ballots in federal elections. Under federal law, only US citizens are permitted to vote in such elections.
Authorities stated that Bouchard voted in the 2022 congressional election and again in the 2024 presidential election, with both votes cast after he fraudulently claimed citizenship on registration forms. Investigators suspect he may have voted in elections in New Hanover and Pender counties for many years, potentially spanning two decades. However, charges were limited to actions related to the 2022 and 2024 elections due to a five-year statute of limitations on some federal crimes, as explained by a spokesperson for the US attorney’s office.
Legal Consequences and Statements
Bouchard now faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. Each count of falsely claiming US citizenship to vote carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. In a statement, US Attorney Ellis Boyle emphasized that illegal voting by noncitizens undermines public confidence in elections. He noted that investigators and election officials collaborated to identify this case, highlighting the importance of maintaining electoral integrity.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about voter fraud and the enforcement of citizenship requirements in US elections. The case serves as a reminder of the legal ramifications for those who attempt to subvert electoral laws, with authorities continuing to monitor and prosecute such violations to protect the democratic process.
