Full Breakdown
Canadians Charged with U.S. Voter-Fraud Offences Ahead of Midterms
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that five additional Canadians have been charged with voter-fraud-related offences. The defendants, aged 58 to 68 and largely lawful permanent residents, are accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register and vote in past elections. The charges were released in news statements from U.S. attorney’s offices in Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina and Wisconsin. One case involved a 69-year-old Canadian woman in Florida who allegedly voted in the 2022 general election after registering in 2021.
02
Background & Context
The latest prosecutions are part of a broader federal effort, intensified in recent weeks, to target non-citizen voting. Federal prosecutors appointed during the Trump administration, such as Ellis Boyle in Raleigh, North Carolina, have led many of these actions. U.S. authorities have also pursued citizens of Australia, Colombia, Cuba, Jamaica and the United Kingdom. The timing coincides with the approach of the 2024 midterm elections and aligns with former President Donald Trump’s long-standing claims of widespread voter fraud.
03
Data & Statistics
- CBC’s tally shows at least 20 Canadians have been charged or sentenced in the United States this year.
- Bill Essayli, senior federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, reported 156 individuals nationwide have faced voting-fraud-related charges since the start of the current administration.
- The U.S. Election Assistance Commission notes more than 211 million citizens were registered to vote for the 2024 general election.
04
Official Statements & Responses
Dan Bishop, U.S. The U.S.
05
Criticism & Opposition
Ellis Boyle warned, “This is the worst type of constitutional assault on our independence and liberty,” — Ellis Boyle, attorney
David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, argued, “The timing tells us why it's likely they're doing this,” — David Becker and added, “This is likely an attempt to try to sow doubts about the election, in advance of an election in which the president and his administration might fear the voters might reject them,” — David Becker He maintains that the limited instances of non-citizen voting have not altered election outcomes and suggests the crackdown may be intended to sow doubt ahead of the upcoming election.