The United States has warned non-citizens against voting in its upcoming elections.

A statement on Monday by the U.S. attorney’s office said a coordinated effort with federal law enforcement agencies was underway to safeguard the federal election process.

The U.S. attorney’s office made the disclosure ahead of the Wyoming district’s August 18 primary election.

U.S. Attorney Darin Smith noted that federal authorities have been monitoring the voting process to ensure compliance with federal voting laws and to guarantee that only U.S. citizens participate.

“The right to vote is a fundamental pillar of our democracy. We encourage every eligible citizen to take part in the upcoming election, and we are working directly with our law enforcement partners and election officials to ensure fairness and protect lawful participation,” Mr Smith stated.

He vowed that the attorney’s office would prosecute non-citizens who vote or attempt to participate in the election.

“If you are not a U.S. citizen and you vote or attempt to vote, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law!” he said.

The attorney’s office stated that federal laws guarantee voters’ protection from intimidation, disruption and fraud at the polls. 

It urged residents to report potential federal election crimes or voting rights violations directly to the Department of Justice or local law enforcement.

On July 22, the Peoples Gazette reported that New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said the state mistakenly registered 6,600 non-citizen residents on the voter rolls.

A White House statement said the error resulted directly from the state’s failure to conduct basic citizenship checks.

It noted that the mistake proves why the U.S. Congress must pass the SAVE America Act.