The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada announced that Khalida Safi, an Afghan citizen and U.S. permanent resident, has been charged with illegally voting in the 2024 federal election.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 28, the office said Safi is accused of voting in the 2024 presidential election, which included races for President, Vice President, and members of Congress. In a separate case, a Sudanese citizen faces the same charge.
Under U.S. law, permanent residency (a "green card") alone does not grant the right to vote in federal elections; only U.S. citizens are permitted to do so. Both individuals face one count of "voting by an alien."
Prosecutors stated that the maximum statutory penalty for this offense is one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. A date for the defendants' initial court appearance has not yet been set.
The charges against Safi and the other individual are allegations that have not yet been proven in court. The press release did not provide details on how they allegedly registered to vote or their response to the charges. The case highlights the importance for immigrants to understand the civic and electoral laws of their host country.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah emphasized that her office will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of election offenses to protect the integrity of the electoral system. This issue is significant for the Afghan immigrant community in the U.S., many of whom are in various stages of the citizenship process. Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nevada
🌐
