18 indicted for allegedly illegal voting in North Carolina's 2024 election

Federal prosecutors announced indictments against 18 individuals for allegedly voting illegally in North Carolina's 2024 election, ABC11 WTVD reported.

Among those indicted is a person described by the Justice Department as being in the country illegally. The charges are spread across the state's three federal districts: nine in the Eastern District, five in the Middle District, and four in the Western District.

These new indictments add to earlier charges filed against 12 people in the Eastern District, bringing the total number of indictments for alleged illegal voting in North Carolina in 2026 to 30, according to ABC11 WTVD.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter emphasized that illegal voting is a crime and that noncitizens cannot vote in federal elections. The Justice Department is pursuing these charges to protect election integrity and ensure only eligible voters cast ballots.

Penalties for false claims of U.S. citizenship to register or vote can include up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while voting as a noncitizen may result in up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentences are determined by federal judges based on guidelines and other factors.

The FBI's Charlotte Field Office highlighted its commitment to election security, noting that dedicated election crimes coordinators work with state and federal partners to verify voter eligibility and uphold election laws.