Federal Prosecutors Charge Three in Pennsylvania Voter Case
Three Pennsylvania residents face illegal voting charges for casting ballots despite lacking U.S. citizenship.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Elections
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Federal prosecutors have charged three residents of Pennsylvania with illegally voting in general elections. Each defendant is a lawful permanent resident who allegedly cast a ballot while not holding U.S. citizenship.
Why it matters
The charges highlight federal enforcement efforts regarding voting eligibility requirements for non-citizens in general elections. These cases are part of a broader investigation involving nine total individuals accused of illegal voting.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine, or both upon conviction for the single count of voting by an alien. The three defendants include residents from Selinsgrove and Luzerne.
The players
Homeland Security Investigations
This federal agency is the primary investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for conducting the inquiry into these voting charges.
Joyce Donovan
The 38-year-old Pennsylvania resident and Kenyan citizen is one of three defendants charged with illegally voting.
Nina Nyawara
The 21-year-old Pennsylvania resident and Kenyan citizen is a defendant charged with illegally voting in the 2024 general election.
Nourten Kuruju
The 64-year-old resident and Greek citizen is accused of illegally voting in the 2022 general election.
The details
Joyce Donovan and Nina Nyawara, both Kenyan citizens, allegedly voted in the 2024 general election. Nourten Kuruju, a Greek citizen, is accused of voting in the 2022 general election, with all cases investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Timeline
Nourten Kuruju allegedly cast a ballot in the 2022 general election.
Joyce Donovan and Nina Nyawara allegedly voted in the 2024 general election.
Political Context
These charges follow the federal prohibition on voting by an alien, which strictly reserves franchise rights for U.S. citizens. Opposition advocates often emphasize that lawful permanent residency status does not grant the legal right to participate in general elections.
These charges clarify that lawful permanent residency is not a qualification for participating in general elections. Residents must ensure they strictly adhere to federal citizenship requirements to avoid criminal liability.
The takeaway
These legal actions serve as a reminder that non-citizens are prohibited from casting ballots in U.S. general elections. Residents should consult official election guides to confirm their eligibility status before attempting to vote.
Further reading
For more on voting regulations and election administration, visit Pennsylvania Elections.
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Do you trust that current election processes effectively prevent non-citizens from voting in U.S. elections?
