Non-Citizen Charged with Voting in Southeast Minnesota Special Election

Chatfield, MN (KROC-AM News)- A non-citizen has been charged for voting in a southeastern Minnesota election earlier this year. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Thursday. 

The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office received an elections complaint in April that alleged a non-citizen had voted illegally in a local election. 

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Non-Citizen Charged for Voting in Chatfield School District Special Election

33-year-old Maria Fernanda Daily is charged with felony count of ineligible voter knowingly voting. 

The court document accuses her of casting a ballot during a special election held on February 11 for the Chatfield School District. The election was for an $11 million referendum to fund construction of a new gymnasium at the Chatfield High School. 

Investigators reviewed a voter registration application Daily filled out on the day of the election. She checked the “no” box on a question asking the applicant if they are a U.S. citizen, the complaint says. 

At the bottom of the page she signed a box that stated “I certify that I am a citizen of the United States.” She also signed a portion on the sheet that said, “I swear or affirm that I am at least 18 years old and a citizen of the United States," according to the court document. 

During an interview with law enforcement, Daily admitted to voting in the special election, saying she was not sure whether or not non citizens were allowed to vote. 

She’s due to make her first court appearance in December. The referendum failed by more than 200 votes. 

The complaint does say whether Daily casted a no or yes vote.