Bethlehem resident convicted of double voting in 2020 presidential election

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David Metcalf, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennslyvania | Department of Justice

Bethlehem resident convicted of double voting in 2020 presidential election

A Bethlehem, Pennsylvania man was found guilty of election fraud related to the 2020 presidential election. Matthew Laiss, 32, was convicted on two counts: voting more than once in a federal election and voter fraud.

According to court documents, Laiss lived in Ottsville, Pennsylvania from at least October 2012 until August 2020. In August 2020, he moved to Frostproof, Florida, obtained a Florida driver’s license, and registered to vote there.

Despite his move, the Bucks County Board of Elections sent a mail-in ballot for the November 2020 general election to his former address in Ottsville. On or about October 31, 2020, Laiss completed and returned this Pennsylvania ballot. Days later, on November 3, he voted again at a polling location near his new residence in Frostproof, Florida.

U.S. Attorney David Metcalf stated: “Today’s conviction reinforces a simple principle: our elections must be fair, secure, and lawful. Casting a ballot in more than one jurisdiction undermines public trust and dilutes the votes of others. Our office will continue to protect the integrity of federal elections and hold accountable those who violate the law.”

Laiss is scheduled for sentencing on June 10, 2026. He could face up to five years in prison per count as well as supervised release and fines ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 for each conviction.

The FBI led the investigation with help from the Pennsylvania Department of State. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Dubnoff prosecuted the case.