A Chinese national studying at the University of Michigan has been charged with illegal voting in the 2024 election. Haoxiang Gao faces charges for false claims to register or vote and voting by aliens, as announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., alongside Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson from the FBI's Detroit Field Division.
The complaint alleges that Gao registered to vote using his student ID shortly before the 2024 presidential election and cast a ballot at a polling location on campus. It further claims that Gao made false statements about his citizenship on voter registration and early voting applications. After being charged with state offenses, Gao was granted a $5,000 personal bond under conditions including not leaving Michigan and surrendering his passport. However, he fled to Shanghai on January 19, 2025, using a different PRC passport number than the one surrendered.
On May 30, 2025, a federal complaint was unsealed charging Gao with flight to avoid prosecution due to fleeing the country.
United States Attorney Gorgon commented on the severity of illegal voting: “Illegal voting is a serious crime that casts doubt on our elections and serves to disenfranchise United States citizens by diluting their power at the ballot box." He emphasized that illegal voting by foreign nationals will not be tolerated.
Cheyvoryea Gibson stated: “The federal charges filed against Haoxiang Gao, a Chinese national, serve as a clear and unequivocal reminder that the FBI will investigate anyone who attempts to unlawfully interfere with the electoral process in the United States.” He praised collaboration between agencies involved in this case.
It is important to note that a complaint is only an accusation and not evidence of guilt. The investigation continues under FBI oversight.
