**University of Michigan Student Charged for Illegal Voting in Ann Arbor**

A significant controversy has unfolded in Ann Arbor involving a 19-year-old University of Michigan student from China, accused of voting illegally in the United States. The student, legally residing in the country but not a U.S. citizen, managed to cast a ballot in Ann Arbor just days before a crucial presidential election. Legal actions are being taken against him for making a false statement and attempting to vote unlawfully.

The Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office, along with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's office, released a statement revealing these developments. This individual had registered to vote on a Sunday, utilizing his University of Michigan student identification and additional documentation to establish residency in Ann Arbor. He subsequently signed a document asserting his U.S. citizenship before his ballot was processed.

Complications arose when the student later contacted the local clerk's office inquiring if he could retrieve his already submitted ballot. According to Michigan election laws, once a ballot is processed through a tabulator, it cannot be retrieved, and thus his illegal vote will still be counted in the election.

The charges leveled against the student include perjury, for falsely identifying himself as a U.S. citizen on a voter registration affidavit, and the more severe felony charge of being an unauthorized elector attempting to vote. The penalties could be as severe as four years in prison and a $2,000 fine for the felony charge, with the perjury charge carrying a potential sentence of 15 years.

This incident was brought to light as Milton Dohoney Jr., the Ann Arbor city administrator, discussed the potential voter fraud involving a green card holder in a message to the Ann Arbor City Council members. According to Dohoney, the student seemed aware that his actions were illegal.

Both the Michigan Secretary of State and Washtenaw County Prosecutor emphasized the rarity of such incidents, underscoring that voter fraud by non-U.S. citizens is highly unusual and carries significant risks, including prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

The case has sparked discussions, especially in the politically charged atmosphere leading up to the presidential election. With the race in Michigan expected to be close, the scrutiny over election integrity has intensified. This event mirrors the heightened vigilance following the claims of voter fraud during the 2020 election, despite bipartisan confirmations of its validity.

Prominent figures have weighed in, including U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, who criticized Secretary Benson for failing to prevent the illegal vote and called for stringent measures against foreign interference in Michigan’s elections.