Overview
- Fillmore County prosecutors charged Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari via summons this week with felony perjury and a voting violation, with a first court appearance set for May 18.
- Authorities say records show he registered to vote on March 12, 2023, was added to the rolls on March 27, 2023, and cast a ballot in Spring Valley on November 5, 2024.
- Investigators report the ballot signature matched his Minnesota driver’s license, and he later told them he “made a mistake,” admitted voting, and confirmed he is not a U.S. citizen.
- Court documents indicate he received a voter registration notice after obtaining a Minnesota driver’s license, which he says prompted him to complete the form.
- The Minnesota Secretary of State says only citizens may vote and calls ineligible voting rare, noting penalties that can include deportation, a fine up to $10,000, and up to five years in prison, while Republicans cite the case to argue the state’s safeguards are too weak.