A federal jury in Fort Worth convicted Khalwinder Singh Bhengura, 69, of voting in a federal election as a noncitizen and of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register to vote, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday. Jurors returned the verdict Tuesday, October 27, after a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman. Federal prosecutors said Bhengura is a lawful permanent resident and has never applied for citizenship.
Prosecutors said Bhengura checked boxes on a August 1, 2024, Texas driver license application in Tarrant County indicating he was a citizen and wanted to register to vote. He later voted in person in Arlington on November 5, 2024. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said voting in national elections is reserved for U.S. citizens. Bhengura faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the false claim charge, and up to one year and $100,000 on the unlawful voting charge. Sentencing is set for February 11, 2027.
Separately, election officials have been asked to examine a complaint alleging possible double voting at a Dallas County polling location during early voting. According to the complaint, dated October 27, the same voter appeared in two electronic poll books five minutes apart on October 21. The complaint also alleges a paper roster was changed after an October 24 audit.