Canadian Citizen Accused of Decades of Illegal Voting

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Denis Bouchard, 69, a Canadian citizen, is facing federal charges after a grand jury indictment revealed he allegedly illegally registered and voted in federal elections in both 2022 and 2024. The indictment marks a significant escalation in federal efforts to police election integrity in the state, and raises questions about the scope of potential voter fraud.

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle didn’t mince words, stating, “Every single time a noncitizen casts an illegal vote in North Carolina, it steals and nullifies the vote of an actual citizen.” Boyle’s office alleges Bouchard has been voting in New Hanover and Pender County elections for the past 20 years, a claim they intend to substantiate in court. The investigation suggests a pattern of deception, raising concerns about the vulnerability of the state’s electoral system.

Federal investigators say Bouchard falsely claimed U.S. citizenship on voter registration forms submitted in 2022 and 2024. Despite residing in the United States since the 1960s, Bouchard never obtained citizenship, yet certified his status as a U.S. citizen when he cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election and the 2022 congressional election. The implications of these alleged actions are substantial, potentially undermining the democratic process.

“Every American deserves to exercise their right to vote without interference in the democratic process,” stated James C. Barnacle Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. The FBI’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating the case. The North Carolina Board of Elections initially flagged the discrepancy, leading to the federal investigation.

Sam Hayes, Executive Director of the NC State Board of Elections, highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation. “Nothing is more critical to our democracy than confidence in our electoral process,” Hayes said, emphasizing the need for vigorous enforcement of election laws. Bouchard is charged with two counts of 18 U.S.C. § 1015(f) and two counts of 52 U.S.C. § 20511(2)(B). If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment per count.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton is prosecuting the case, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case originated from a referral by the North Carolina Board of Elections. Relevant court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina website or on PACER, Case No. 7:25-CR-00083. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Bouchard is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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