Kansas Mayor Charged with Illegal Voting; Town Supports Him

Mayor Joe Ceballos of Coldwater, Kansas, has been charged with voting illegally multiple times. He is a legal resident but not a U.S. citizen. Many people in his town are supporting him.
By Newsroom | Politics, Kansas |

A small Kansas town is standing behind its mayor, Joe Ceballos, who has been charged with voting illegally multiple times as a non-citizen. Ceballos, who was re-elected mayor of Coldwater just before the charges were filed, admits to having voted but states he was unaware he was ineligible as a permanent resident. The situation has drawn attention to immigration and voting laws in a predominantly Republican community where Ceballos has been a visible figure for years.

Background of the Charges

On November 6, 2025, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced that Joe Ceballos, the mayor of Coldwater, was facing felony charges. These charges include three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. Kobach stated that Ceballos is a legal permanent resident of the U.S. but not a U.S. citizen, and that he is a citizen of Mexico. The allegations indicate Ceballos voted in several elections.

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  • Ceballos had recently won re-election as mayor of Coldwater with a significant margin.

  • He has resided in Coldwater since he was a teenager and previously served two four-year terms on the City Council.

  • The attorney general's office is prosecuting the case.

Ceballos's Admission and Defense

Joe Ceballos has reportedly admitted to voting, but claims he did not know he was not allowed to vote as a permanent resident. He also stated that he had never been informed he could not vote. This assertion forms a key part of the defense against the charges.

  • Ceballos is described as a permanent U.S. resident, but not a U.S. citizen.

  • He has lived in Coldwater for many years.

Community Support for the Mayor

Despite the serious nature of the charges, the residents of Coldwater, a town with a largely Republican leaning, have shown strong support for Mayor Ceballos. A significant number of residents attended a court hearing, with some closing down businesses to be present.

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"They were there for the man at the defendant’s table, Joe Ceballos, who just weeks before had been re-elected mayor of Coldwater in a small-town landslide, with 101 votes to his opponent’s 20."

  • Many residents know Ceballos personally and consider him a fixture in the community.

  • Some residents who supported Ceballos also indicated support for former President Trump's immigration policies.

The charges against Ceballos raise questions about his current role as mayor and the validity of actions taken during his tenure. The city attorney is responsible for determining whether Ceballos can continue to serve the remaining months of his term.

  • The city attorney will decide on Ceballos's eligibility to remain mayor.

  • Actions taken by Ceballos while in office may also be reviewed.

Attorney General's Stance and Political Context

Kris Kobach, the Kansas Attorney General, has a history of advocating for stricter immigration enforcement and voter identification laws. His office's involvement in this case brings a broader political dimension to the local situation.

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  • Kobach has previously served as Kansas Secretary of State.

  • His past advocacy includes pushing for tougher immigration rules and voter ID requirements.

Analysis of the Situation

The case of Joe Ceballos highlights a complex intersection of immigration status, voting rights, and local governance. The community's solidarity with their mayor, despite the legal allegations, underscores the personal relationships and trust built within small towns. However, the charges themselves point to a strict interpretation of voting eligibility laws.

Allegations of Voting While Non-Citizen

Prosecutors allege that Ceballos, as a non-U.S. citizen and permanent resident, voted illegally in multiple elections. This forms the basis of the charges of voting without qualification and election perjury.

  • The specific elections in which Ceballos allegedly voted illegally have not been fully detailed by the attorney general's office.

  • Ceballos is identified as a citizen of Mexico.

Mayor's Defense: Lack of Knowledge

Ceballos's defense centers on his alleged ignorance of the voting ineligibility that accompanies permanent residency. This position suggests a lack of intent to defraud or violate election laws.

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  • Ceballos claims he was never informed he could not vote.

  • He stated he did not know he was ineligible.

Community's Viewpoint: Trust and Personal Knowledge

The strong backing from Coldwater residents suggests a perspective where personal acquaintance and trust outweigh the technical legal definitions of citizenship and voting eligibility. Ceballos is seen by many as an integral part of the town.

  • Residents' support appears rooted in their long-standing relationship with Ceballos.

  • Some locals explicitly stated they believed Ceballos did not know he couldn't vote.

Conclusion

Joe Ceballos, the mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, faces felony charges for allegedly voting illegally as a non-U.S. citizen. While Ceballos admits to voting, he claims he was unaware of his ineligibility as a permanent resident. The community of Coldwater, largely Republican, has expressed strong support for their mayor, rallying behind him during his legal proceedings. The determination of his eligibility to continue as mayor rests with the city attorney. The case brings into focus the practical application of election laws and the role of community trust in small-town politics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Mayor Joe Ceballos accused of?
He is accused of voting in several elections even though he is not a U.S. citizen. This is against the law.
Q: What does Mayor Ceballos say?
He said he did vote but did not know he was not allowed to as a permanent resident. He said no one told him he could not vote.
Q: How has the town reacted?
Many people in Coldwater strongly support Mayor Ceballos. They know him well and believe he is a good part of the town.
Q: What happens next for the mayor?
The city attorney will decide if he can keep his job as mayor. The charges are serious and could affect his position.