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Published on April 24, 2024
Miami Man Charged with Voting as Non-Citizen in Local Election, Electorate Integrity at ForefrontSource: Unsplash/ Tingey Injury Law Firm

Miami-Dade County has become the stage for a stringent move against illegal voting activity. On Wednesday, Lazaro Valle-Villar was arrested and charged with multiple voting felonies after it was discovered he had registered and voted in the county despite his non-citizen status. As per a press release obtained by Local 10, his detention is the result of a concerted operation involving the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Election Crime Unit, public corruption prosecutors, and the Florida Department of State Office of Election Crimes and Security.

The allegations against Valle-Villar highlight a contentious issue in the ongoing debate over voter fraud. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Valle-Villar participated in the Nov. 2, 2021, special municipal election in Miami, where he allegedly misrepresented himself as a U.S. citizen on his voter applications, written in both English and Spanish. According to Local 10, Valle-Villar faces one count of voting as an unqualified elector and other charges related to electoral dishonesty.

Miami-Dade State's Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, "Voting is a fundamental right granted to every American citizen." She pointed out that Valle-Villar had the option to pursue citizenship and legally vote but chose not to do so. Her comments, highlighted by an article on Pegcity Expats, capture a discernible stance to preserve the sanctity of the electoral process.

Valle-Villar now faces four third-degree felony charges which collectively could deal a heavy blow to his future in United States. Each count underscores the gravity assigned by authorities to the integrity of elections—an issue that continues to feature heavily in political discourse. Fernandez Rundle's office, meanwhile, has fielded requests for further information on Valle-Villar's background, including his age and country of origin.

Miami-Crime & Emergencies