Chinese Student at University of Michigan Charged with Attempting to Vote Illegally

A 19-year-old Chinese student at the University of Michigan faces charges of perjury and attempting to vote unlawfully in a federal election, according to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit. The charges stem from the student’s attempt to vote during early voting, marking a rare instance of a non-U.S. citizen casting a ballot. The felony charge could result in up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

“Anyone who attempts to vote illegally faces significant consequences, including but not limited to arrest and prosecution,” stated Benson and Savit, reaffirming the security measures in place to prevent noncitizen voting. Benson highlighted that Michigan’s election procedures allow authorities to detect and respond to such incidents effectively.

The student, in the U.S. legally but not a citizen, registered to vote using University of Michigan identification and Ann Arbor residency documents. He later contacted the local clerk to withdraw the ballot, which prompted an investigation by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and swift action by election officials. U.S. Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI) subsequently called for the student’s expulsion from the university.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded with a written statement, encouraging the U.S. to conduct a fair investigation while advising Chinese citizens abroad to follow local laws. The University of Michigan has not yet issued a comment.