A Kansas Town Election Leads to a Le
A small Kansas town drew statewide attention in November 2025 after
Coldwater Mayor Jose Ceballos was charged with election-related crimes shortly after winning re-election.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office said the case followed a review of voter and election records that raised concerns about his eligibility.
Prosecutors allege Ceballos voted in multiple elections despite not being a U.S. citizen, which is required to vote and hold certain public offices in Kansas.
He faces felony charges including voting without qualification and election perjury.
Officials stressed that “the investigation began before the election and was not triggered by the outcome,” adding that the timing of the charges was coincidental.
State leaders said the case reflects enforcement of existing law, noting that “election integrity laws apply equally to all individuals.”
Ceballos is presumed innocent, and city officials said local government will continue operating while the case proceeds.
