ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A non-U.S. citizen faces charges for illegally voting at an early voting location in Ann Arbor on Sunday.

The non-US citizen, who has not yet been identified, allegedly illegally registered to vote and voted in the 2024 general election on October 27. They face charges of unauthorized voter attempting to vote and making a false statement for that purpose. securing voter registration.

Only US citizens can register and vote in US elections. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit said in a joint statement on Oct. 31 that it is a felony to lie on any registration forms or voting applications about citizenship status.

“We are grateful for the clerk’s swift action in this case, who took appropriate action and referred the case to law enforcement,” Benson and Savit said. “We are also grateful to law enforcement for their quick and thorough investigation into this case. Anyone attempting to vote illegally faces significant consequences, including but not limited to arrest and prosecution.”

Benson and Savit’s joint statement also said it is extremely rare for a non-citizen to vote.

“Let’s be clear: voting records are public — any citizen who attempts to vote fraudulently in Michigan will put themselves at great risk and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Benson and Savit said.