Federal indictment in Minnesota over alleged noncitizen voting

A federal grand jury in Minnesota has indicted Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari, an Indian national, for allegedly falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote in the 2024 general election. According to a Justice Department release, prosecutors say Chaudhari signed a voter signature certificate required under Minnesota law and cast a ballot on Nov. 5, 2024. Authorities previously said he first denied voting when questioned, then later said he had made a mistake and admitted that he voted despite not being a U.S. citizen. The Justice Department said the case reflects its focus on electionrelated crimes and voter eligibility rules. Minnesota officials have said only U.S. citizens may vote in the state and that ineligible voting is rare. If convicted, Chaudhari could face prison time on each count.