**Chinese Student at University of Michigan Charged for Illegal Voting**

A University of Michigan student from China faces serious criminal charges for casting a ballot illegally during early voting, a rare incident involving a non-U.S. citizen. The student is charged with perjury and attempting to vote as an unauthorized elector, a felony offense according to a joint statement from Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit. The latter charge carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

"Anyone who attempts to vote illegally faces significant consequences, including but not limited to arrest and prosecution," the statement emphasized. The issue of noncitizens voting has been highlighted in Republican political discourse this year, aimed at questioning election integrity, particularly if former President Donald Trump does not win. However, data from even Republican-led states indicate that noncitizens voting is exceptionally rare and not a large-scale issue. Federal elections are restricted to U.S. citizens, and thorough processes are in place to identify and intercept any noncitizens attempting to vote.

"When it does happen, we take it extremely seriously," Benson and Savit stated. "Our elections are secure, and Michigan's state and local election officials meticulously follow the law."

Michigan, home to over 7 million active registered voters, has already seen more than 2 million ballots cast through absentee and early voting for the upcoming election, as of Thursday morning.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that her office has launched an "independent, parallel investigation" into the matter. The 19-year-old student, who is legally present in the U.S. but not a citizen, registered to vote using his University of Michigan student ID and residency documents from Ann Arbor. He signed a document claiming U.S. citizenship but later contacted the local clerk's office in an attempt to retrieve his ballot.

"We are grateful for the swift action of the clerk in this case, who followed the correct procedures and referred the case to law enforcement," Benson and Savit noted. The incident was initially reported by the Detroit News. The student's identity has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if he has been arrested or is currently in custody.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a written statement urging its citizens abroad to comply with local laws and avoid engaging in illegal activities. It also called on the U.S. to conduct a fair investigation and protect the legitimate rights of the Chinese national involved.

U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, a Republican from Michigan and chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has demanded that the university expel the student. The University of Michigan has not yet responded to requests for comment.