Jamaican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Voting in 2024 Primary

Defendant admitted to casting a ballot despite not being a U.S. citizen.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:09am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an empty voting booth in a dimly lit room, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the importance of electoral integrity.The prosecution of a non-citizen voter highlights the government's efforts to protect the integrity of U.S. elections.Tallahassee Today

Jacqueline Wallace, a 53-year-old Jamaican national, has pleaded guilty in federal court to voting by an alien in the 2024 Presidential Primary Election. Wallace, who had not been naturalized as a U.S. citizen, requested and submitted a mail-in ballot, knowing she was ineligible to vote.

Why it matters

This case highlights the Department of Justice's efforts to prosecute non-citizens who illegally participate in U.S. elections, in order to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Voting is a fundamental right reserved for American citizens, and the government is taking steps to ensure the security and fairness of elections.

The details

According to court documents, Wallace requested and submitted a mail-in ballot in July 2024, despite knowing she was not a U.S. citizen. Her ballot was received and her vote was registered on August 20, 2024. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric W. Welch.

  • Wallace requested the mail-in ballot in July 2024.
  • Wallace's ballot was received on August 12, 2024.
  • Wallace's vote was registered on August 20, 2024.
  • Wallace is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2026.

The players

Jacqueline Wallace

A 53-year-old Jamaican national who pleaded guilty to voting by an alien in the 2024 Presidential Primary Election.

John P. Heekin

The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, who announced the plea deal.

Eric W. Welch

The Assistant United States Attorney prosecuting the case.

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What they’re saying

“Protecting the integrity of our elections not negotiable. Registering to vote and casting a ballot in our elections are actions that we must ensure are taken only by eligible U.S. citizens. My office will aggressively prosecute cases like this to preserve the security of our elections.”

— John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida

What’s next

Wallace's sentencing is scheduled for June 11, 2026, at the United States District Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the Department of Justice's commitment to prosecuting non-citizens who attempt to illegally participate in U.S. elections, in order to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. It serves as a warning that voting fraud will be taken seriously and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.