Summary
A noncitizen from Mauritania living in Philadelphia was arrested for allegedly voting illegally in seven U.S. federal elections since 2008. Authorities say he registered and voted, although only U.S. citizens are allowed to vote in these elections.
Key Facts
- Mahady Sacko, a 50-year-old man from Mauritania, was arrested for allegedly voting in U.S. federal elections without being a citizen.
- Sacko reportedly registered to vote in 2005 and has been accused of voting in seven federal elections since 2008.
- Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in U.S. elections, and violations can lead to fines and up to five years in prison.
- Despite being ordered to leave the U.S. in 2000, Sacko remained in the country under immigration supervision.
- Authorities were unable to deport Sacko earlier due to the lack of a current passport from Mauritania.
- The GOP has proposed the SAVE Act, aiming to tighten voter ID rules and prevent unauthorized voting.
- The SAVE Act has passed in the House but faces challenges in the Senate.
- President Trump and other Republicans are emphasizing the need for stricter voter verification to prevent voter fraud.
