PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Mexican citizen living in Philadelphia pleaded guilty Wednesday, October 28, 2026, to illegally voting in the November 2024 general election, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
Eduardo Gallardo Maldonado, 66, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, entered the plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth L. Toplin, according to U.S. Attorney David Metcalf.
Court filings and statements established that Maldonado cast a ballot in Philadelphia County during the November 2024 election despite not being a U.S. citizen. Federal law prohibits noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents, from voting in federal elections.
Prosecutors charged Maldonado in September 2026 through a criminal information rather than a grand jury indictment. He waived his right to prosecution by indictment as part of the proceedings.
Maldonado is scheduled for sentencing February 9, 2027. In addition to a maximum prison term of one year, he faces up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000.
Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI investigated the case.
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