A Canadian citizen has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Wilmington, North Carolina, on charges of illegally registering to vote and casting ballots in the 2022 and 2024 federal elections. The indictment alleges that Denis Bouchard, age 69, falsely claimed U.S. citizenship when submitting voter registration applications for both election cycles and participated in the most recent presidential and congressional elections despite never obtaining American citizenship.
According to authorities, Bouchard has lived in the United States since the 1960s but remained an alien during that time. The indictment states he certified U.S. citizenship on his registration forms before voting.
James C. Barnacle Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in North Carolina, commented on the case: “Every American deserves to exercise their right to vote without interference in the democratic process. We appreciate the North Carolina Board of Elections partnership and commitment to working together to ensure fair elections in our state.”
Sam Hayes, Executive Director of the NC State Board of Elections, said: “I am proud of the efforts of our investigators who worked this case prior to handing it off to our law enforcement partners at the FBI. Nothing is more critical to our democracy than confidence in our electoral process, which is why vigorous enforcement of our election laws must be a priority. The NC State Board of Elections team continues to stand ready to assist the U.S. Attorney’s Office as they investigate and prosecute voter fraud in North Carolina.”
Bouchard faces two counts each under 18 U.S.C. § 1015(f) and 52 U.S.C. § 20511(2)(B), with each count carrying a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment if convicted.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced these charges following Bouchard’s initial court appearance. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after receiving a referral from the North Carolina Board of Elections.
Additional information about this case can be accessed through the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or via PACER by searching Case No. 7:25-CR-00083.
