Three Charged With Non-Citizen Voting in Ohio

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against three individuals accused of illegally voting in federal elections.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Elections

Three Charged With Non-Citizen Voting in Ohio

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Should non-citizens be permitted to register and vote in U.S. federal elections?

U.S. Attorneys have charged three individuals with illegally voting as non-citizens in federal elections across Ohio. The defendants allegedly registered to vote by falsely declaring U.S. citizenship on official forms.

Why it matters

The charges highlight ongoing enforcement efforts to ensure election integrity by addressing instances where individuals without citizenship participate in federal contests.

Federal prosecutors charged three individuals with illegal voting, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison. Defendants Cary Ann Patterson, Arshed Zuberi, and Eliza M. Moss allegedly participated in 10, 6, and several elections, respectively.

The players

Cary Ann Patterson

She is a 59-year-old citizen of the United Kingdom who is alleged to have voted in at least 10 elections.

Arshed Zuberi

He is a 69-year-old Pakistani national who allegedly voted in at least 6 elections.

Eliza M. Moss

She is a 63-year-old citizen of the Philippines who is accused of voting in several elections.

The details

Cary Ann Patterson, Arshed Zuberi, and Eliza M. Moss are accused of signing registration forms claiming citizenship despite being nationals of the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Moss reportedly told investigators she received instructions that she could legally cast a ballot despite her status.

Eliza M. Moss registered to vote in 2004.
Cary Ann Patterson submitted voter registration in 2005.
Arshed Zuberi registered to vote in September 2015.
Patterson allegedly voted in a federal election on November 5, 2024.

Political Context

These charges highlight a point of contention regarding the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which governs the procedures for verifying voter eligibility. Supporters of stricter measures argue these cases prove current oversight is insufficient, while opponents emphasize the lack of systemic fraud evidence.

These charges serve as a reminder of the strict legal requirements for voter registration and the consequences of providing false information on government forms. Residents are reminded to verify their eligibility status through official state portals before registering.

The takeaway

Maintaining the integrity of the electoral process remains a primary focus for federal authorities across the state. Voters should ensure they meet all legal criteria for registration to avoid potential criminal liability.