On August 29, 2025, a federal grand jury in Wilmington, North Carolina, indicted 69-year-old Canadian citizen Denis Bouchard for illegally voting in U.S. elections, including the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential race. Bouchard, who has lived in the U.S. since the 1960s but never obtained citizenship, allegedly falsified voter registration forms by claiming U.S. citizenship. Prosecutors suspect he voted in New Hanover and Pender County elections for 20 years, potentially compromising electoral integrity. U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle emphasized, “Every noncitizen vote nullifies a citizen’s ballot,” highlighting the case’s gravity. Bouchard faces four charges—two for false statements and two for fraudulent voting—carrying up to five years in prison per count if convicted.
The indictment, part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal voting, follows similar charges against foreign nationals, including Ukrainians and a Colombian, in 2024. The FBI, with assistance from ICE and the North Carolina Board of Elections, is investigating. State records show Bouchard voted in nine general elections since 2004, raising questions about voter verification gaps. The case underscores ongoing debates over election security, with the administration’s SAVE database now aiding states in verifying citizenship. Critics argue such cases are rare, citing studies showing minimal noncitizen voting, while supporters demand stricter enforcement to protect democratic processes. Bouchard’s trial could set a precedent for future prosecutions.
