Iraqi National Charged with Illegal Voting in 2020 Election

Akeel Abdul Jamiel, a 45-year-old Iraqi national and former resident of South Glens Falls, New York, has been charged with illegally voting in the 2020 presidential election despite not being a U.S. citizen at the time. Federal authorities allege that Jamiel cast a ballot in Saratoga County, and emphasize that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Law enforcement officials, including the U.S. Attorney, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations, have described the alleged act as a serious violation of election law and an affront to the democratic process. Election officials noted that New York's voter registration relies on an honor system, in which applicants sign an oath affirming their eligibility. If convicted, Jamiel faces up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Authorities stress their ongoing commitment to protecting election integrity and prosecuting illegal voting schemes.