Massachusetts Resident Charged With Illegal Voting in Federal Elections

A Nigerian woman residing in Massachusetts as a lawful permanent resident has been charged with illegally voting in at least two federal elections, according to the Department of Justice. Gladys Adaeze Okafor, 56, is accused of falsifying her citizenship status on voter registration forms to cast ballots in the 2024 presidential primary and the 2022 midterm elections.

Prosecutors allege that Okafor repeatedly lied about her citizenship on official documents, which are signed under penalty of perjury. In July 2022, she reportedly submitted a voter registration card, certifying she was a U.S. citizen, which led to her registration by the City of Lynn. Court documents indicate she checked a box affirming her U.S. citizenship on another voter registration card in October 2023 before voting in the 2024 presidential primary.

Okafor obtained lawful permanent resident status in December 2022 but is not a U.S. citizen and has not applied for citizenship, authorities stated. She faces a potential penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of $10,000.

This case follows a series of federal actions aimed at election integrity. In Texas, seven noncitizens were recently indicted in connection with a voter fraud investigation. Additionally, the Justice Department has charged five individuals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin for alleged illegal voting or fraudulent registration in the 2022 or 2024 elections.