Sanata Coulibaly, a 64-year-old Senegalese resident of New Jersey, is facing federal charges in the United States for allegedly voting in multiple elections despite not being a US citizen. According to the federal complaint filed in the New Jersey district, Coulibaly, who holds permanent resident status, registered to vote in October 2016 using a paper form submitted to the Hudson County Superintendent of Elections' office.
Authorities allege that Coulibaly certified on the registration form that she was a US citizen, which is a requirement for voter registration in federal elections. However, as a non-citizen, she was not eligible to vote. The complaint further alleges that Coulibaly proceeded to cast votes in several subsequent elections, including the 2018 midterm elections, the July 2020 primary, the November 2020 general election, and the 2024 general election.
The case also involves a naturalization application filed by Coulibaly in October 2024, in which she allegedly claimed that she had never registered to vote or voted in a federal election. Federal authorities consider these statements to be false. Coulibaly's actions, if proven, would constitute multiple federal offenses, including voter registration and voting by a non-citizen, and making false statements on a naturalization application.
Coulibaly appeared before a federal court in Newark on September 17, 2026, to face the charges. Her case is part of a broader effort by the US Department of Justice to address alleged voting irregularities by non-citizens. The Department has announced charges against 16 individuals in seven states for allegedly voting or registering to vote without proper citizenship status.
The US Department of Justice emphasized that the charges against Coulibaly and others are allegations, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The cases are being pursued in the context of ongoing debates about voter registration requirements and election integrity in the United States.
The allegations against Coulibaly involve multiple instances of voting and a false statement on her naturalization application. If convicted, she could face significant penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. Her case highlights the complexities of voter registration and naturalization processes in the United States.
The Department of Justice will likely continue to investigate and prosecute cases involving alleged voting irregularities by non-citizens. Coulibaly's case serves as an example of the potential consequences for individuals who allegedly attempt to circumvent US election laws.
Key points
- A Senegalese woman, Sanata Coulibaly, faces federal charges for allegedly voting illegally in multiple US elections despite not being a US citizen.
- Coulibaly's case is part of a broader effort by the US Department of Justice to address alleged voting irregularities by non-citizens.
- The allegations involve multiple instances of voting and a false statement on her naturalization application, with potential penalties including fines and imprisonment.
