TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced his office filed election fraud charges against Jose Ceballos, the mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, according to a statement form Kobach's office. Ceballos last night was re-elected.
“In Kansas, it is against the law to vote if you are not a U.S. citizen. We allege that Mr. Ceballos did it multiple times,” Kobach said.
Officials from the attorney general’s office filed the charges in Comanche County. Ceballos faces three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. The charges are nonperson felonies, and Ceballos could face more than 5 years in prison.
Click here to read the complaint
The Coldwater City Council were called in for a Special Meeting by Mayor Joe Ceballos at 12:40p.m. Wednesday to discuss the charges filed by the Kansas Attorney Generals Office.
"At this time, our focus remains on ensuring that city operations continue to run smoothly and that the needs of our community are met. While the recent allegations involving the mayor are understandably concerning, we will allow the proper legal process to take its course before making any further comments. It’s important that we respect both due process and the integrity of our local government," wrote Britt Lenertz, President Coldwater City Council on the city's social media page/
“I’ve worked with Attorney General Kobach for years on proof of citizenship as a useful tool to root out election crimes. During my time as House Elections Chair, then Secretary Kobach and I fought to pass a proof of citizenship requirement. Instead, we’re left relying on individuals’ word when it comes to verifying citizenship,” Schwab said. “I’m grateful that President Trump implemented the SAVE program to help states and to prevent situations like this.”
When he was Secretary of State, Kobach led the charge to stop noncitizens from voting illegally in Kansas elections. A federal court struck down the Kansas proof-of-citizenship law in 2018. Eight states, including Kansas, have passed laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in at least some cases, but the laws have only been implemented in four of those states, including Arizona, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wyoming.
“Voting by noncitizens, including both legal and illegal aliens, is a very real problem. It happens. Every time a noncitizen votes, it effectively cancels out a U.S. citizen’s vote.” Kobach said.
State law generally requires that candidates for elected city office must be a qualified elector, or eligible to vote, and be a resident of the city. However, cities have home rule power. It will be up to the city attorney to decide whether Ceballos is eligible to continue in his role as mayor.
Special Agent Nate Humble and Special Agent in Charge Matt Simpson are investigating the Ceballos case. First Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards is prosecuting.