Australian Woman Arrested in US for Illegal Voting in 2022 and 2024 Elections

An Australian woman has been arrested in the United States for voting illegally in two federal elections. Denise Nataly Migliore, 51, was taken into custody on July 1 at a federal courthouse in New Orleans after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation found she falsely claimed US citizenship to register and vote in the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential election. She faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

How the investigation unfolded

Immigration and Customs Enforcement began investigating Migliore after discovering she made false statements about her citizenship status. In October 2022 and October 2024, she knowingly filed voter registration forms claiming to be a US citizen, prosecutors said. She then cast ballots in November of each year despite being ineligible as a non-citizen. Migliore was indicted on four counts on June 11 in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

What Migliore faces in court

If convicted, Migliore faces a maximum of five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She also faces a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. The FBI is assisting with the prosecution, which is being handled by Special Assistant US Attorney Rick Veters of the General Crimes Unit. Migliore’s defence has suggested she believed legal permanent residents could vote and did not know it was illegal for non-citizens to do so.

Trump’s involvement and political context

US President Donald Trump posted about the case on Truth Social on Tuesday, calling Migliore an “Australian alien” arrested after voting illegally in two elections. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis of the Department of Homeland Security said the arrest sends a clear message: “We will find you, arrest you, and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation.” Trump has previously alleged that immigrants improperly influence US elections, though comprehensive studies and state voting data indicate such instances are extremely rare.

Australian government response

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Migliore. However, consular staff cannot provide legal advice, intervene in legal cases, or remove travel bans. The assistance is limited to welfare checks and administrative support during her legal proceedings in the US.

Final Thoughts

Migliore’s case highlights rare but serious violations of US election law by non-citizens. With deportation and up to five years in prison on the table, the case underscores enforcement of citizenship requirements for voting.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.