Michigan voter rolls contain non-U.S. citizens from Iran

An undercover investigation has identified two non-U.S. citizens from Iran who are registered to vote in Michigan. The individuals, identified through federal court and Department of Homeland Security records, include Afshin Masheli, an Iranian national listed on the DHS “Worst of the Worst” list, and Fazlollah Haritash, who has convictions for child sex crimes.

During the investigation at assigned polling locations, election workers confirmed that both individuals appeared in the poll books and stated that a registered voter listed there could cast a ballot. One subject, Masheli, indicated he had voted in the previous three elections and intended to vote in the 2026 Michigan Primary.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has sent a letter to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, stating that the retention of non-citizens on voter registration lists and the subsequent counting of their ballots may violate Section 12(2)(B) of the National Voter Registration Act. The letter urged the state to ensure voter rolls comply with federal law, which limits voting to eligible U.S. citizens.