HOUSTON \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Accused of illegally casting a ballot<\/p>\n
According to Hall\u2019s defense attorney James Alston, Hall has lived in the Houston area for several years and holds a green card \u2014 but is not a U.S. citizen. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The charge Hall faces carries a penalty of up to one year in federal prison.<\/p>\n
Case emerges amid push for federal election law changes<\/p>\n
Hall\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The proposed act would:<\/p>\n
Require proof of U.S. citizenship before registering or voting<\/p>\n
Require photo identification to vote<\/p>\n
Require states to regularly review voter rolls and remove noncitizens<\/p>\n
The bill has become a major flashpoint in Washington and on the campaign trail.<\/p>\n
Paxton signals shift in Senate race if bill advances<\/p>\n
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has publicly tied his political future to the bill\u2019s passage. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act. <\/p>\n
John Cornyn\u2026<\/p>\n