Three Non-Citizens Charged With Illegal Voting in Georgia
Federal prosecutors charged three Georgia residents with voting illegally in federal elections.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Immigration
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Federal authorities have charged three non-citizens in Georgia with illegally casting ballots in federal elections. These charges are part of a broader Justice Department investigation that has resulted in 13 additional cases across the United States.
Why it matters
The case highlights a national focus on election integrity and federal oversight regarding voter eligibility. The Justice Department previously alerted the Georgia Secretary of State's Office to concerns about non-citizen participation in the voting process.
Federal prosecutors identified 3 defendants in Georgia as part of a 16-person nationwide sweep. The charges involve allegations of illegal voting and making false statements regarding citizenship status.
The players
Justice Department
This federal executive department is responsible for enforcing laws and administering justice in the United States.
Georgia Secretary of State's Office
This state agency oversees election administration and maintains voter registration rolls within Georgia.
The details
Pauline Lewis, 65, is accused of voting by absentee ballot in 2020, 2021, and 2024, while Gabriel Covarrubias, 44, allegedly voted in person in Lawrenceville and applied for a passport under a false name. Analiea Milliscent Eccles, 43, who received DACA status in 2013, is accused of voting nine times between 2008 and 2024.
Timeline
Analiea Milliscent Eccles allegedly voted between 2008 and 2024.
Analiea Milliscent Eccles received DACA status in 2013.
Pauline Lewis allegedly voted in federal elections in 2020, 2021, and 2024.
Gabriel Covarrubias applied for a U.S. passport in March 2023.
The Justice Department warned the Georgia Secretary of State's Office in July 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of these charges often argue that non-citizen voting is extremely rare and suggest that these investigations may be politically motivated attempts to undermine confidence in election results. Advocacy groups frequently emphasize that existing registration safeguards are sufficient and characterize these enforcement efforts as overreach.
These charges may lead to more stringent verification processes for Georgia voters during future election cycles. Residents should ensure their registration information is accurate to avoid potential legal scrutiny under evolving state and federal election monitoring standards.
The takeaway
Maintaining accurate voter registration is a key responsibility for all citizens and legal residents. Voters should be aware of the specific eligibility requirements for their local jurisdictions to avoid unintentional legal complications.
Further reading
For more on voting regulations, visit the Georgia Immigration section.
Live Poll
Do you trust that current election processes effectively prevent non-citizens from casting votes?
