A 40-year-old Canadian man residing in Saugus, Massachusetts, has been charged with illegal voting, according to prosecutors. Sunny Manhertz allegedly participated in federal elections unlawfully for over a decade. His initial court appearance took place in Boston, where he faced charges of unlawful voting by an alien and casting a fraudulent ballot.
Background on the Charges Against Manhertz
Manhertz was born in Canada and became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 1987. Court documents show that, in March 2016, he registered to vote in Massachusetts by falsely declaring that he was a U.S. citizen. This registration was made under penalty of perjury.
During the registration process, Manhertz provided an old address in Everett as his last voting location. Prosecutors allege that he voted in several federal elections, including those held in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. Notably, he also participated in the Democratic presidential primary in 2024 and had voted in various state elections as well.
Federal Investigation and Findings
The investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is aimed at identifying noncitizens registered to vote in Massachusetts. The agent’s affidavit indicated that Manhertz had submitted an application to replace his permanent resident card in 2019, which acknowledged his awareness of not being a U.S. citizen.
- Voting Period: 2008 – 2024
- Initial Court Appearance: Scheduled in June 2026
- Potential Sentencing: Up to five years for fraudulent voting
Last week, federal officials interviewed Manhertz, who confirmed his signature on the 2016 voter registration form and admitted to voting since 2008. The affidavit cited probable cause that he participated in the November 2024 federal election, impacting the integrity of the electoral process in Massachusetts.
Legal Consequences and Implications
Manhertz has been released under specific conditions and is set to return to court on June 3, 2026. If convicted, he could face significant legal repercussions:
| Charge | Maximum Sentence | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Fraudulent Voting | 5 Years in Prison | $250,000 |
| Unlawful Voting by an Alien | 1 Year in Prison | $100,000 |
Although instances of voter fraud remain infrequent, ongoing investigations like this highlight concerns regarding the electoral process in the United States. As the scrutiny increases, cases such as that of Sunny Manhertz draw attention to the need for secure and accurate voting practices in the country.
