HOUSTON – A British man living in Harris County is accused of illegally voting in the 2024 presidential election, a case unfolding as President Donald Trump pressures Congress to overhaul U.S. voter registration laws.
Samuel James Hall, a U.S. green card-holder from Great Britain, pleaded not guilty during his first appearance in federal court Tuesday afternoon to the federal misdemeanor charge of voting by an alien.
No cameras are allowed inside the federal courthouse, but KPRC 2 News was the only crew present for the hearing, when Hall told the judge he is employed and lives in Harris County.
Accused of illegally casting a ballot
According to Hall’s defense attorney James Alston, Hall has lived in the Houston area for several years and holds a green card — but is not a U.S. citizen.
Despite that, federal prosecutors allege he cast a ballot in Harris County in the 2024 general election, voting for president, vice president, and members of Congress, according to the criminal information filed against him earlier this month.
The charge Hall faces carries a penalty of up to one year in federal prison.
Case emerges amid push for federal election law changes
Hall’s case comes at a time of intense national debate over election security. President Trump is demanding that Congress pass the SAVE America Act, legislation that would significantly alter voter registration requirements nationwide. He has said he will not sign any other bills until the measure is approved.
The proposed act would:
Require proof of U.S. citizenship before registering or voting
Require photo identification to vote
Require states to regularly review voter rolls and remove noncitizens
The bill has become a major flashpoint in Washington and on the campaign trail.
Paxton signals shift in Senate race if bill advances
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has publicly tied his political future to the bill’s passage.
On X, Paxton said March 5 he would drop out of the U.S. Senate race against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn if the Senate removes the filibuster to allow the SAVE America Act to pass.
The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and I’m committed to helping President Trump get it done.
I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act.
John Cornyn…
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) March 5, 2026
Federal investigation involved multiple agencies
FBI Houston confirms the case against Hall originated from an investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Attorney General’s Office Election Integrity Unit.
KPRC 2 News received the following statement from the Office of the Harris County Tax Assessor & Voter Registrar:
“In June 2025, the Harris County Tax Office was made aware of this individual’s presence on the voter roll. At that time, our office sent the individual in question the appropriate notification. In response to that notification, the individual self-cancelled their registration, the Voter Registrar removed them from the voter rolls accordingly and this individual is not registered to vote in Harris County. As this is an on-going investigation, we are unable to share more at this time and remain committed to ensuring that the voter registration rolls are up to date and that only eligible citizens are enrolled and part of the process. Since taking office in 2025, Assessor Ramirez has taken steps to ensure the integrity of the voter registration process.”
Hall is currently free on bond while his case moves through federal court.
Alston didn’t wish to comment on his client’s case.
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