Canadian man charged with voter fraud after illegally voting in 2016 election, prosecutors say

A Canadian citizens is facing charges after he allegedly voted illegally in the 2016 primary and general elections, prosecutors say.

Robert Soutar, 76, was charged with four felonies in Orange County, according to District Attorney Todd Spitzer. They include one count of perjury, two counts of violating the California Elections Code for not being entitled to vote in an election and one count of voter registration fraud.

“The privilege to vote is one of the most sacred rights we have as American citizens,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “I refuse to allow anyone to subvert our electoral process in anyway and interfere with the will of the voters who are making decisions on how they want their government run. Any allegation of electoral interference will be thoroughly investigated and if there is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed, we will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”

Soutar, who lives in Fullerton, is legally in the United States as a legal permanent resident. Prosecutors say he is not a citizen, however, and is not permitted to vote in elections.

Despite that fact, Soutar was still able to register to vote with the Orange County Registrar of Voters. According to the DA's Office, the registrar "does not independently verify the citizenship of people attempting to register to vote."

Soutar is still registered to vote, although there's no evidence he voted in the current election. Prosecutors did not say whether he voted in any other elections since 2016, or what his party affiliation is.