A Federal Voting Charges case has been filed against an Australian lawful permanent resident accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. Prosecutors allege she used those claims to register and vote in two federal elections in Louisiana. They contend she knowingly misrepresented her citizenship before casting ballots during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.
Federal authorities identified the defendant as Denise Nataly Migliore, 51, an Australian national and lawful permanent resident. A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against her last month. The indictment charges her with making false statements to register to vote and illegally voting in federal elections.
According to prosecutors, Migliore submitted voter registration forms in October 2022 and again in October 2024. Investigators allege she falsely stated that she was a United States citizen on both applications. They further claim she knew she was not legally eligible to make those declarations.
Authorities also allege Migliore cast ballots in the federal elections held in November of both years. Prosecutors say she certified she was a U.S. citizen before participating in each election.
Federal law permits only United States citizens to vote in federal elections. Prosecutors allege Migliore remained a lawful permanent resident rather than a naturalized U.S. citizen. They argue that status made her ineligible to vote in those elections.
The investigation led to Migliore’s arrest on July 1 at the federal courthouse in New Orleans. Homeland Security Investigations carried out the arrest after an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Federal officials said the case reflects continued enforcement of voter eligibility and citizenship requirements. They also stated investigators worked with federal partners before presenting the evidence to a grand jury.
In a public statement, Department of Homeland Security officials credited federal law enforcement agencies for the investigation. They added that noncitizens who falsely claim U.S. citizenship and vote may face criminal prosecution. Officials also said convicted individuals could face immigration consequences under federal law.
The indictment contains allegations that prosecutors must prove in court. Like every criminal defendant, Migliore remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Migliore faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. Prosecutors also said she could receive up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
The charges also carry a maximum fine of $250,000. Court records further list a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The case will proceed through the federal court system as prosecutors and defense attorneys present their evidence. Future hearings will determine whether the government satisfies the legal burden required for conviction.
Federal election laws require voter registration applicants to accurately certify their eligibility, including their citizenship status. Authorities allege Migliore knowingly violated those requirements when completing registration documents. Prosecutors further allege she later cast ballots in two separate federal elections.
The Federal Voting Charges now move into the judicial process as the court reviews the evidence presented by both sides. As proceedings continue, the Federal Voting Charges will determine whether prosecutors can prove the alleged offenses under federal law.
