Alien from South Africa Charged with Unlawful Voting

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A South African alien and lawful permanent resident was charged with unlawfully voting in the November 2024 federal election. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance during the investigation. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Missouri made the announcement.

Hanlie Venter, 67, is charged with one count of unlawful voting. Venter was born in South Africa, moved to the United States in 2020, and was granted lawful permanent resident status in 2021.

Venter registered to vote in September 2024 and subsequently voted in the November 2024 federal election at a polling place in McDonald County, Missouri. Lawful permanent residents are not allowed to vote in federal elections and are not allowed to vote in Missouri state or local elections.

The charge contained in the criminal complaint is simply an accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, which will be responsible for determining whether the defendant is guilty or not.

Under federal law, Venter faces a sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The court will determine sentencing of the defendant based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Missouri. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. USCIS assisted the investigation.

To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.

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