Overview
- He was re-elected mayor of Coldwater by a 101–20 margin before state prosecutors filed six felony counts just hours before votes were tallied.
- The case includes three counts of election perjury and three counts of voting without being qualified, with a preliminary hearing set for March.
- Joe Ceballos is a lawful permanent resident who received a green card in 1990 and, during a recent citizenship interview, acknowledged that he had voted.
- DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin publicized the case with his photo and signature and said he committed a felony by voting, while Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach argued noncitizen voting occurs fairly frequently.
- Local residents packed the first court hearing and voiced support for Ceballos, who resigned as mayor after the charges and says he fears being deported or detained by immigration authorities.