Story perspectives
Former Coldwater Mayor Pleads Guilty to Illegal Voting
4/21/2026
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Story summary
- Joe Ceballos, former mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanors related to illegal voting as a noncitizen.
- The five-minute hearing resulted in a $2,000 fine with no jail time.
- Ceballos is a permanent U.S. resident born in Mexico who voted in elections.
- Ceballos resigned as mayor after the charges surfaced.
- Following the charges, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated plans to deport him if convicted.
