The U.S. Attorney's Office has announced that a Canadian citizen, who has resided in the United States for several decades, is facing charges for illegal voting. The individual, a 40-year-old man identified as Manhertz, has been charged with one count of unlawful voting by an alien and another count of casting a ballot known to be fraudulent.
According to prosecutors, Manhertz became a legal permanent resident in February 1987 and has been living in Saugus, Massachusetts, a town located north of Boston. The charges stem from allegations that he falsely declared himself a U.S. citizen on official voter registration forms and voted in numerous federal elections over the years.
The U.S. Attorney's Office detailed that during the period in which Manhertz allegedly voted, he was aware that he was not a citizen of the United States. On February 13, 2019, approximately three years after he registered to vote in Saugus, Manhertz purportedly submitted an I-90 form, also known as an 'Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card,' to the Department of Homeland Security.
In this application, he provided his Alien Registration Number, his name, and his address in Saugus. Notably, when queried about his legal status on the form, he indicated that he was a "Lawful Permanent Resident" by checking the appropriate box. He signed and dated the application, further acknowledging his status as a permanent resident, which contradicts his earlier statements made during the voter registration process.
If convicted of the charges, Manhertz faces potential imprisonment ranging from one to five years, along with fines that could range between $100,000 and $250,000. These penalties highlight the seriousness with which voter fraud is treated in the United States and the legal consequences that can arise from such actions.
Online court records indicate that Manhertz is scheduled to make an appearance in court in June, where proceedings will commence regarding the allegations against him. This case raises questions about the integrity of the voting process and the legal ramifications for individuals who do not comply with the requirements for citizenship and voting.
The situation serves as a reminder of the laws surrounding voting eligibility in the U.S. As authorities continue to investigate and address issues of illegal voting, cases like Manhertz's highlight the importance of ensuring that only qualifying individuals participate in the electoral process.
