A federal grand jury has indicted Denis Bouchard, a Canadian citizen, for illegally voting in U.S. elections over the past 20 years, according to court documents. The indictment alleges Bouchard, who has resided in the United States since the 1960s, repeatedly cast ballots in federal elections without being a U.S. citizen.

Bouchard, 69, faces two counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1015(f) and two counts of 52 U.S.C. § 20511(2)(B), which criminalize false voter registration and illegal voting by noncitizens. If convicted, he could receive up to five years in prison for each charge. The indictment specifically cites his participation in the 2024 presidential election and the 2022 congressional race.

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle emphasized the severity of the offense, stating that “every single time a noncitizen casts an illegal vote… it steals and nullifies the vote of an actual citizen.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, following referrals from the North Carolina Board of Elections.

Bouchard allegedly falsified his citizenship status on voter registration forms in 2022 and 2024, despite never obtaining U.S. citizenship. The indictment details his alleged participation in elections across New Hanover and Pender Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton is overseeing the prosecution.

The case adds to ongoing debates about election integrity, with critics arguing that stricter measures are needed to prevent such violations. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has signaled plans to implement voter ID requirements through an executive order, a move proponents say would strengthen electoral accountability.