Filipino National Charged With Illegally Voting in 2024 U.S. Election

A 19-year-old Filipino national living in Hawaii has been charged with unlawfully voting in the 2024 United States general election, federal prosecutors announced.

United States Attorney Ken Sorenson said Bernadette Acaso, who resides in Honolulu on Oahu and Kahului on Maui, was charged by criminal complaint on July 22, 2026, with voting illegally as a non-U.S. citizen.

According to court records, Acaso was born in the Philippines and entered the United States around 2018 on an immigrant visa. She later became a lawful permanent resident but did not become a U.S. citizen.

Federal authorities alleged that Acaso cast a mail-in ballot during the 2024 general election. Prosecutors said she admitted in a statement to law enforcement that she knew she was not a U.S. citizen when she voted.

Under federal law, non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents, are generally prohibited from voting in federal elections.

If convicted, Acaso could face up to one year in prison, a period of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000.

Prosecutors emphasized that the criminal complaint contains allegations only. Acaso is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

Any sentence would be determined by a federal district judge after considering applicable laws and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.