South African woman charged with illegally voting in McDonald County
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A 67-year-old South African woman, living legally in the United States, is facing a federal criminal charge after allegedly voting in the 2024 presidential election in McDonald County.
Hanlie Venter was charged Tuesday with one count of unlawful voting by an alien.
Federal prosecutors say Venter moved to the US from South Africa in 2020 and obtained lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card, in 2021.
Despite not being a U.S. citizen, investigators allege Venter registered to vote in September 2024 and cast a ballot at a McDonald County polling location during the 2024 general election.
Federal law prohibits noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents, from voting in federal elections. Missouri also prohibits noncitizens from voting in state and local elections.
If convicted, Venter faces up to one year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine.
