Bold Crackdown – Indictments Spearhead Election Integrity Push

Gavel next to indictment document

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announces indictments of six non-citizens for alleged illegal voting in past elections, highlighting the state’s commitment to election integrity.

At a Glance

  • Six non-citizens indicted for allegedly voting illegally in Ohio elections from 2008 to 2020
  • Illegal voting is classified as a fourth-degree felony in Ohio
  • Cases were presented to county grand juries by special prosecutors
  • AG Yost emphasizes the rarity of such cases and confidence in election law enforcement

Ohio Cracks Down on Illegal Voting

In a move to safeguard the integrity of Ohio’s electoral process, Attorney General Dave Yost has announced the indictment of six non-citizens for allegedly voting illegally in past elections. The cases, spanning from 2008 to 2020, involve individuals who were legal permanent residents but not U.S. citizens at the time they cast their ballots.

The indictments resulted from investigations conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, as permitted by state law when requested by the Secretary of State. These cases were then presented to county grand juries by special prosecutors, underscoring the state’s commitment to addressing concerns over election security and voter eligibility.

Details of the Indictments

The six individuals indicted come from various parts of Ohio, including Columbus, North Royalton, Hudson, Kent, and Hilliard. Their alleged illegal voting activities occurred in multiple elections, including the pivotal 2016 and 2020 presidential contests. Notably, one of the accused, Ramesh Patel, 68, of North Royalton, who allegedly voted in 2014, 2016, and 2018, has since passed away.

“The right to vote is sacred, If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s illegal to vote – whether you thought you were allowed to or not – you will be held accountable.”

Attorney General Yost emphasized that such irregularities are rare and should not undermine public confidence in the electoral system. He stressed that these indictments demonstrate the state’s commitment to enforcing election laws and holding individuals accountable, regardless of their intentions.

Broader Context and Implications

The indictments follow Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s referral of nearly 600 voting-related cases to the Attorney General’s Office. Of these, Yost has jurisdiction over 138 cases related to alleged voting, while the rest pertain to voter registration issues. This action is part of Ohio’s regular efforts to maintain the integrity of its voter registration list and check citizenship status using a Department of Homeland Security database.

“Irregularities like this are rare, and this is a small number of cases. We should all be confident in the upcoming election, knowing that the laws are being enforced and will continue to be enforced.”

It’s important to note that instances of non-citizen voting prosecutions are rare nationwide. Data from the Heritage Foundation and Brennan Center show few prosecutions for non-citizen voting in recent decades. However, the issue remains a concern for many, particularly as the 2024 elections approach.

These indictments serve as a reminder that non-citizen voting is illegal in all states except for a few local jurisdictions and can result in severe consequences, including fines, jail time, or even deportation. As Ohio continues to enforce its election laws rigorously, officials hope these actions will bolster public confidence in the electoral process while sending a clear message about the sanctity of voting rights in America.