Honolulu Resident Pleaded Guilty to Illegal Voting
A 20-year-old Filipino national admitted to casting an illegal ballot in the 2024 presidential election.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Elections
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Bernadette Acaso, a 20-year-old lawful permanent resident of Honolulu, has pleaded guilty to illegally casting a mail-in ballot during the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Federal law prohibits non-U.S. citizens from participating in federal elections.
Why it matters
The case serves as one of 12 election-related prosecutions recently highlighted by the Department of Justice, which is actively pursuing charges ranging from fraudulent registration to false claims of citizenship. These actions underscore federal enforcement efforts to maintain the integrity of the voting process.
Acaso, who immigrated to the U.S. in 2018, faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The government is currently pursuing 12 total election-related cases involving similar charges of illegal registration or voting.
The players
Bernadette Acaso
The defendant is a 20-year-old Filipino national and lawful permanent resident residing in Hawaii.
Department of Justice
The federal executive department is responsible for the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice in the United States.
The details
The defendant admitted to knowingly casting a ballot despite lacking U.S. citizenship, violating federal statutes that restrict participation to citizens. Beyond potential incarceration and fines, she is subject to a period of supervised release following the court proceedings.
Timeline
Acaso immigrated to the United States in September 2018.
The defendant cast an illegal mail-in ballot in 2024.
The Department of Justice highlighted these election-related cases on September 28, 2026.
Political Context
This prosecution represents the government's strict application of the federal prohibition on non-citizen voting in U.S. elections. Opposition groups often argue that such cases should focus on systemic registration failures rather than individual criminal culpability.
Residents should remain aware that voting in federal elections is strictly limited to U.S. citizens regardless of residency status. Those who are not citizens but are registered to vote should take steps to update their registration status to avoid potential legal consequences.
The takeaway
Illegal voting carries severe federal consequences that can impact a resident's status in the United States. Residents must verify their citizenship status and eligibility thoroughly before attempting to participate in any federal election.
Further reading
For more information on the integrity of our voting processes, visit the Elections section.
Live Poll
Should non-citizens face criminal penalties for casting a ballot in federal elections?
