A federal grand jury has charged Denis Bouchard, a Canadian citizen, with illegally registering to vote and casting ballots in U.S. elections over the past 20 years, including the 2024 presidential election. Bouchard, who has lived in the United States since the 1960s but never obtained citizenship, admitted to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on voter registration forms in 2022 and 2024.

The indictment alleges Bouchard voted in New Hanover and Pender County elections repeatedly, with prosecutors stating his actions undermined the democratic process by displacing valid citizen votes. U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle emphasized that noncitizen voting “steals and nullifies” the rights of American voters, vowing to prosecute the case vigorously.

Bouchard faces up to five years in prison on each of four charges under federal law. The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the North Carolina Board of Elections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton will oversee the prosecution.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about election integrity, with officials stressing the importance of safeguarding voting systems. Meanwhile, President Trump has announced plans to sign an executive order mandating voter identification requirements, a measure aimed at strengthening electoral accountability.