Ocean County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Voting in Federal Election
An Ocean County resident who lacks United States citizenship has admitted in federal court to casting an unlawful ballot during the 2022 midterm elections, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.
Key Highlights
- Eliezer Kadoch, 39, of Toms River, pleaded guilty to voting as an alien in a federal election.
- Kadoch is a citizen of France and holds no legal status to vote in the United States.
- The defendant faces up to six months in prison and a fine reaching $100,000.
- Sentenced is scheduled for October 26 in Trenton federal court.
An Ocean County man who does not hold U.S. citizenship admitted in federal court to illegally voting in the 2022 midterm election, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Eliezer Kadoch, 39, of Toms River, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Brandon Day in Trenton to one count of voting by an alien in a federal election.
Court records show that Kadoch is a citizen of France and has never been a citizen of the United States. Despite being ineligible to vote, prosecutors said he cast a ballot in the November 2022 general election, which included the election of a U.S. House representative.
Federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections.
Kadoch faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. His sentencing is scheduled for October 26 before Judge Day.
The guilty plea comes as federal authorities continue to emphasize enforcement of election laws involving voter eligibility. While prosecutions for illegal voting are relatively uncommon, federal officials have said the Election Integrity Task Force is intended to investigate and prosecute violations involving federal elections in New Jersey, including unlawful voting, election fraud, and other offenses that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Election Integrity Enforcement Outlook
The prosecution of Kadoch highlights a concentrated effort by the Department of Justice to monitor and penalize voter eligibility infractions. By utilizing specialized units like the Election Integrity Task Force, federal authorities aim to signal strict adherence to statutory voting mandates. Though statistically rare, such enforcement actions are designed to deter non-citizen participation and reinforce public trust in federal electoral systems ahead of future voting cycles.
FAQs
What charges did Eliezer Kadoch plead guilty to?
Eliezer Kadoch pleaded guilty to one count of voting by an alien in a federal election after casting a ballot in the November 2022 general election.
What penalties does a non-citizen face for voting in a federal election?
Under federal law, the maximum penalty for a non-citizen voting in a federal election includes up to six months in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.
Is it legal for non-citizens to vote in U.S. federal elections?
No. Federal law strictly prohibits non-citizens, including permanent residents and foreign nationals, from participating or casting ballots in federal elections.
What is the role of the Election Integrity Task Force in New Jersey?
The Election Integrity Task Force investigates and prosecutes federal election law violations in New Jersey, targeting offenses such as unlawful voting and election fraud to maintain public confidence in the voting process.
