Washington, Jan 9 (NationPress) Federal prosecutors in New Jersey have filed charges against two individuals for illegally voting in a presidential election and subsequently lying under oath while seeking American citizenship, as indicated by indictments issued by a federal grand jury.

The indictments, submitted on December 22, 2025, allege that Muhammad Muzammal, aged 37, and Muhammad Shakeel, aged 62, falsely claimed to possess US citizenship to register to vote in New Jersey, casting ballots in the November 2020 general election, which included the presidential and vice-presidential races.

According to prosecutors, both men were non-citizens at the time of their voter registration. The indictments assert that each man falsely certified their status as United States citizens on their voter registration forms. Their registrations were approved, allowing them to vote in the 2020 general election despite lacking citizenship, authorities noted.

Under federal law, only US citizens are authorized to register and participate in federal elections.

The indictments further claim that after voting, both men attempted to become US citizens by submitting Applications for Naturalization, known as Form N-400, to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. This form necessitates that applicants swear, under penalty of perjury, that the provided information is complete, true, and correct.

Prosecutors allege that both Muzammal and Shakeel falsely declared on their N-400 applications that they had never registered to vote or participated in any federal, state, or local elections.

After submitting their applications, both men underwent interviews with Immigration Services Officers. During these sworn interviews, they were questioned about the information on their naturalization forms. The indictments claim that both men again falsely asserted that they had never voted in any elections.

Court records reveal that Muzammal was a lawful permanent resident residing in Bergen County, having entered the US around August 2017 on an F43 visa. Prosecutors allege he registered to vote online in New Jersey on or about September 16, 2020, falsely claiming to be a US citizen.

Based on that registration, Muzammal is accused of voting in the November 2020 general election. He is also charged with making false statements under oath during his naturalization interview and with unlawfully attempting to obtain US citizenship by submitting materially false information on his N-400 application.

The indictment against Shakeel contains similar allegations, including illegal voting in the 2020 election and false statements during the citizenship application process.

If found guilty, the defendants could face serious penalties.