On Tuesday, Ohio’s Attorney General Dave Yost announced charges against six individuals accused of voting illegally as non-citizens in various elections between 2008 and 2020. The state’s legal action underscores the importance placed on electoral integrity, particularly in an era where concerns about voter fraud have been heightened. The accused are Ramesh Patel, Lorinda Miller, Nicholas Fontaine, Ahmed Aden, Van Thuy Cooper, and Maria Dearaujo. If convicted, the defendants could face substantial legal penalties, including a potential 18-month prison sentence. This announcement arrives as the state aims to bolster confidence in upcoming elections and ensure adherence to voting laws.
The six defendants, aged between 32 and 78, were found to have been living legally in the U.S. but lacked U.S. citizenship when they cast their votes. Ramesh Patel, aged 68 from North Royalton, faces charges for voting in multiple elections, including 2014, 2016, and 2018. Lorinda Miller, 78, from Hudson, voted in 2016 through 2019 without citizenship, and Nicholas Fontaine of Kent allegedly voted in 2016 and 2018. Both Miller and Fontaine hold legal permanent residency but are not U.S. citizens. In Franklin County, Ahmed Aden (35), Van Thuy Cooper (53), and Maria Dearaujo (62) similarly faced charges for illegal voting in elections held in the years specified.
Voting illegally is classified as a fourth-degree felony in Ohio, which carries serious implications for the accused. Although it remains uncertain whether the defendants were aware that they were not permitted to vote or thought their legal residency sufficed, Yost emphasized that ignorance of the law does not excuse such actions. He reinforced the notion that only U.S. citizens have the right to vote, stating that these allegations are being taken seriously to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process. This stance reflects a broader commitment to uphold voting laws and penalize violations, regardless of intent.
As the state prepares for the upcoming November 5 election, Yost and Secretary of State Frank LaRose assured Ohioans of the measures taken to secure the integrity of the voting process. LaRose mentioned that irregular voting cases like these are rare, aiming to alleviate concerns about the overall security of upcoming elections. His acknowledgment that mistaken registrations should not lead to illegal votes highlights a mindful approach to voter registration and voting, especially for those who may have recently had changes to their citizenship status.
In early August, LaRose’s office took preventive measures by purging nearly 500 non-citizen registrations from the voter rolls. This proactive step reflects the state’s intention to ensure only eligible voters participate in elections, further illustrating the dedication toward an accurate and fair democratic process. LaRose expressed a desire to approach these cases with understanding, suggesting that many individuals may not have intended to violate legal voting statutes.
Overall, these charges against the six individuals underscore a critical issue of voter eligibility and compliance with election laws. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of public awareness regarding voting rights and citizenship requirements. By promoting a secure electoral environment and tackling any discrepancies, Ohio aims to uphold the principle that the right to vote must be reserved for U.S. citizens, reinforcing the integrity of its elections while striving for full transparency and accountability in its voting system.
