Pennsylvania Man Convicted of Voting Twice for Trump in 2020 Election

A Lehigh Valley man has been convicted of felony voter fraud charges for casting two ballots for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. Matthew Laiss, 32, of Bethlehem, was found guilty by a federal jury on March 4, 2026, in the U.S. District Court of Eastern Pennsylvania, despite arguments that a Trump pardon might cover his actions.

Details of the Case

According to prosecutors, Laiss moved from Ottsville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to Frostproof, Florida, around August 2020. He registered to vote in Florida and cast a ballot on election day. However, he too submitted a mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania after receiving one at his parents’ home in Ottsville.

Both ballots were cast in favor of Donald Trump, according to attorneys for Laiss.

Pardon Argument Rejected

Laiss’s defense team argued that his actions were covered under a broad pardon issued by President Trump in November 2025. The pardon extended to individuals involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including those relating to voting activities. However, District Court Judge Joseph Leeson Jr. Ruled against this argument in January, stating that Laiss had not applied for or received a certificate of pardon from the Office of the Pardon Attorney.

Potential Sentencing

Laiss faces a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, three years of supervised parole, and a fine of $10,000 to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for June, pending a presentencing investigation and report. He remains free on bail.

Investigation and Voter Roll Maintenance

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Pennsylvania Department of State. The double voting was discovered through the use of ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center), a multistate voter roll maintenance program. Notably, Florida, where Laiss was also registered, has since left ERIC, as have several other conservative-run states following criticism after the 2020 election. Pennsylvania remains a member of ERIC, despite previous legislative attempts to withdraw from the program.

U.S. Attorney David Metcalf stated, “Today’s conviction reinforces a simple principle: our elections must be fair, secure, and lawful. Casting a ballot in more than one jurisdiction undermines public trust and dilutes the votes of others. Our office will continue to protect the integrity of federal elections and hold accountable those who violate the law.”

Sources: CBS News, USA Today, LevittownNow, 6abc